by Donna Smith

Will Hope Rivenburg and Family be at GATS? With a little help from…….. OOIDA or the ATA

The families of Murdered Truck Driver Jason Rivenburg are continuing their campaign for “Jason’s Law”, H.R.2156, which will implement a pilot program to address shortages in safe parking for commercial motor vehicles on our National Highway System.   It is necessary that we continue to collect as many signatures on the petition as possible in order to ensure the passing of the bill.  Jason’s Law will create the 6 year Pilot Program  in the amount of 120 million dollars in grants over a 5 year period.The legislation allows the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with appropriate State, regional, and local governments, to allocate funds to improve rest areas that serve the National Highway System.

Whenever I speak to Hope Rivenburg ( Jason’s Widow), gratitude just pours out of her. It’s quite humbling to speak to someone who has gone through so much, and yet so much of her words are in appreciation of others.  She appreciates all the websites and blogs who have helped in the support of “Jason’s Law”, no matter how small or large they are,  all the individuals who have expressed their most sincere condolences, and everyone who has signed the petition.

Along with the many individuals, trucking blogs and websites such as this one, there are 2 major organizations who are supporting   Jason’s Law… OOIDA and The ATA.

During my conversations with Hope,  she has expressed that she is also very grateful for the support of both The ATA and OOIDA .  She said that OOIDA wished her the very best in all her endeavors when she had  first  contacted them about the proposed bill .  Hope said that  it wasn’t too long after though, when Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) released the draft of the bill  “Jason’s Law” or H.R. 2156,  they  came to bat and  supported  the family and the bill through magazine postings and calls to action.

Hope and her family initially met with Congressman Tonko on March 14th, 2 days after Jason’s funeral, in a coffee shop in New York State, to discuss the need of the bill. Since that first meeting,  Hope  and her family members have worked tirelessly in order to make sure that this Law passes and that another family does not have to endure the same kind of tragedy or loss.   You can read the family Journal which gives an account of the struggles and progress which they share on their Blog

On April 28th Congressman Paul Tonko introduced legislation H.R. 2156 in the House titled “Jason’s Law,” which would implement the pilot program to address shortages in safe parking.  I think Paul Tonko’s name is engraved on the hearts of Jason Rivenburgs family, as well as many others who are grateful for his initiative in introducing “Jason’s Law.”

OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer said Tonko’s bill is a “good one” and urges members to call their representatives and educate them about how this bill will help provide safe parking for truckers.  “We need to pursue whatever is possible to expand the amount of parking in areas where it’s so desperately needed,” he said. Read the entire post here.

Shortly after, the ATA quickly jumped on board and strongly supported HR 2156 and S971. In an article posted  May of  this year in FleetOwner Magazine, “Jason’s Law: ATA pushes for quick passage of truck-parking measure”  President and CEO Bill Graves stated,  “The parking shortage for commercial motor vehicles comprises the safety of drivers out on the road and requires a comprehensive solution involving all interested parties.”

This is a time when it is necessary that we all stand together ( as we are).  Drivers, Trucking Blogs and Websites,  OOIDA, the ATA and everyone else who is concerned about the safety of drivers’ lives out on the road and the desire to see” Jason’s Law” a reality( not a dream) are in unison together.

This August The Rivenburg and Hardendorf family members are hoping to attend The Great American Trucking Show ( GATS) in Dallas, TX.  It is their desire so set up a booth and run their campaign, to reach so many thousands more about “Jason’s Law”, providing their many pamphlets, T-shirts, bracelets, etc….educating people about the  crucial need and vital importance of this legislation.

As you can imagine, cost of the trip for the family members and the added cost of a booth at GATS, can be quite expensive.

I asked Hope Rivenburg if she would accept sponsorship from either The ATA or OOIDA for their campaign at GATS.  She was thrilled and deeply moved at the thought of a sponsorship.

It is at this time we would like to make our plea for Sponsorship to both the ATA and OOIDA for the Rivenburg and Hardendorf family members. Please reach out and help them, as they have endured so much, and yet remain dedicated and loyal to the cause of  their passing loved one and his fellow brother and sister truck drivers. We know how important this bill is to you, imagine how much more important it is to Jason’s family.  Their presence at GATS will surely impress  and imprint the hearts of thousands more.

ATA and OOIDA:   Please contact Hope Rivenburg for your sponsorship.  God Bless You
email at :   h_rivenburg@jhlrivenburg.com

We thank you all for all that you have done, continue to do, and will do, in order to ensure that “Jason’s Law” becomes a reality and that Jason Rivenburg’s death was not in vain.

Special thanks for my friends who inspire me to be a better person and to  fight for the rights and betterment of others:

Desiree, Damian, Fred, JB, Daniel, and all my twitter friends!

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

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