Youngstown Daily Legal News

Proposal would establish Statehouse license plate to benefit capital square

TIFFANY L. PARKS
Special to the Legal News
Published: December 16, 2013

State Reps. Brian Hill and Michael Stinziano are looking to fill the coffers of the Capitol Square Renovation Gift Fund by rolling out a new license plate.

House Bill 344, which landed in the Ohio General Assembly in mid-November, would create the “Ohio Statehouse” license plate.

The $25 purchase price of the proposed plate would be transferred to the Capitol Square Renovation Gift Fund, with an additional $10 administrative fee for the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

“The Capitol Square Renovation Gift Fund finances the improvements, renovations and additions made to capitol square,” Hill, R-Zanesville, said in sponsor testimony before the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security committee recently.

“The capitol square we know today is a beautifully restored example of the continuation of our state’s historical importance into its present day responsibilities and innovations.”

However, Hill said, it was not long ago, that the Statehouse, Senate building and surrounding grounds had fallen into such disrepair that it was necessary to undergo an extensive restoration project.

“Buildings badly needed to be brought up to code and made accessible to persons with disabilities, asbestos was to be removed, leaks repaired and significant renovations were imperative to recapture and illuminate capitol square’s historical significance,” he said.

“After extensive work from all involved, the Senate building and atrium renovations were completed in 1993.”

Three years later, Hill said renovations wrapped up at the Statehouse.

“That same year, the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) was established to maintain the then-new renovations and continue the vital work that was begun,” he said.

In partnership with the Capitol Square Foundation and with significant aid from Ohio legislators and various educational and cultural organizations, Hill said CSRAB has continued its mission to make the capital square area an “exceptional public resource.”

“They have created a new education and visitors center, featuring interactive exhibits and a multi-media experience to truly engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds,” he said. “New exhibits, such as The Ladies’ Gallery and Great Ohioans, seek to instill a sense of pride in all Ohioans and keep us mindful of our roots.”

Hill went on to say that the maintenance and expansion of one of Ohio’s greatest public resources, the Statehouse’s fine arts collection, also falls under the umbrella of the CSRAB and Capital Square Foundation.

“(It) is reliant upon contributions from the Capitol Square Renovation Gift Fund,” he said.

Under Ohio law, “capitol square” means the capitol building, Senate building, capitol atrium, capitol grounds, the state underground parking garage and the warehouse owned by the CSRAB.

Continuing law states that money in the renovation gift fund can be used by the board to provide part or all of the funding related to construction, goods or services for the renovation of the capitol square and to purchase art, antiques and artifacts for display at the capitol square.

The fund can also be used to award contracts or make grants to organizations for educating the public regarding the historical background and governmental functions of the capitol square.

“Up to this point, continued restoration, renovations and additions to capitol square have been made possible largely through private donations from generous individuals and businesses,” Stinziano, D-Columbus, said.

“In creating the ‘Ohio Statehouse’ license plate, we have a chance to broaden awareness and support for the maintenance and continued enrichment of the People’s House among the very people for whom it is intended.”

Stinziano encouraged lawmakers to move HB 344 forward.

“By providing Ohioans with the opportunity to contribute $25 to the Capitol Square Renovation Gift Fund each time they make the simple and necessary purchase of new license plates, we encourage reinvestment in Ohio’s heritage and in its future,” he said.

HB 344 has not been scheduled for additional hearings.

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