Posts Tagged Jason’s law- H.R.2156 S971

Remembering Trucker Jason Rivenburg

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, trucking, trucking life on March 4th, 2010

March 5th, 2010

Jason Rivenburg - Jason's Law Friday, March 5th, 2010 will mark the one year anniversary of the death of fellow truck driver, Jason Rivenburg. Killed by a gunman for a measly $7.00, Jason had pulled into an abandoned gas station to park his truck, due to the lack of parking in the area for commercial vehicles. Leaving behind a wife and two year old son, Hope Rivenburg also gave birth to twins shortly after Jason’s death. Although Jason Rivenburg was not the first professional truck driver to have their life taken away from them due to a lack of safe and secure parking areas, Hope Rivenburg set out on a mission to make certain no other driver would fall victim to such a meaningless crime.

With the support of so many, including New York Congressman Paul Tonko, they introduced a bill into legislation that would provide the safe parking areas that are needed by commercial truck drivers: House Bill H. R. 2156 . . . Jason’s Law. At present, the Jason’s Law Petition has received 9,188 signatures and the support of thirty three sponsors:

Rep. Jason Altmire [D, PA-4]

Rep. Michael Arcuri [D, NY-24]

Rep. Joe Baca [D, CA-43]

Rep. Brian Baird [D, WA-3]

Rep. Tammy Baldwin [D, WI-2]

Rep. John Boccieri [D, OH-16]

Rep. Henry Brown [R, SC-1]

Rep. Russ Carnahan [D, MO-3]

Rep. Steve Cohen [D, TN-9]

Rep. Bob Filner [D, CA-51]

Rep. John Hall [D, NY-19]

Rep. Maurice Hinchey [D, NY-22]

Rep. Steve Israel [D, NY-2]

Rep. Steve Kagen [D, WI-8]

Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D, NY-14]

Rep. Betsy Markey [D, CO-4]

Rep. James McGovern [D, MA-3]

Rep. Michael Michaud [D, ME-2]

Rep. Christopher Murphy [D, CT-5]

Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D, NY-8]

Rep. Erik Paulsen [R, MN-3]

Rep. Thomas Perriello [D, VA-5]

Rep. Laura Richardson [D, CA-37]

Rep. Mike Ross [D, AR-4]

Rep. Loretta Sanchez [D, CA-47]

Rep. Mark Schauer [D, MI-7]

Rep. William Shuster [R, PA-9]

Rep. Harry Teague [D, NM-2]

Rep. Dina Titus [D, NV-3]

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz [D, FL-20]

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland [R, GA-3]

Rep. David Wu [D, OR-1]

Rep. Donald Young [R, AK-0]

Jason’s Law is not only about Jason Rivenburg, but for all professional CMV drivers who have been endangered by the lack of safe parking for the big rigs. From parking lots, rest areas, side streets and from on and off exit ramps, professional truckers are expected to do their jobs with little effort for safety precautions being established for them.

Finally, a bill specifically for truck drivers and their safety is at the forefront of the trucking industry. Hope Rivenburg has fought long and hard for Jason’s Law even through a time of great loss and grief. With so much support coming through for H. R. 2156, truckers can have the safe and secure parking they need to do their jobs and to make it back home to their families.

Continue to contact your Representative and voice your support for Jason’s Law.

: H.R. 2156, jason rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, paul tonko, safe parking, trucking

H.R. 2156, jason rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, paul tonko, safe parking, trucking

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Congressman Paul Tonko Discusses Jason’s Law

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, Talk Radio Show, otr trucking, trucking, trucking show on February 17th, 2010

Congressman Paul Tonko New York Congressman, Paul Tonko was our guest on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” talk radio, Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 7 PM EST. Discussion focused on House Bill H.R. 2156, also known as Jason’s Law. As per the bill, top priority will be given in order to: “address the shortage of long-term parking for commercial motor vehicles on the National Highway System.” In general, the Secretary of Transportation “shall allocate funds made available to carry out this section among States, metropolitan planning organizations and local governments.”

Furthermore, this important bill calls for “constructing safety rest areas (as defined in section 120(c) of title 23, United 22 States Code) that include parking for commercial motor vehicles.” In addition to:

Constructing commercial motor vehicle parking facilities adjacent to commercial truck stops and travel plazas.

Opening existing facilities to commercial motor vehicle parking, including inspection and weigh stations and park-and-ride facilities.

Promoting the availability of publicly or privately provided commercial motor vehicle parking on the National Highway System using intelligent transportation systems and other means.

Constructing turnouts along the National Highway System for commercial motor vehicles.

Making capital improvements to public commercial motor vehicle parking facilities currently closed on a seasonal basis.

Improving the geometric design of interchanges on the National Highway System to improve access to commercial motor vehicle parking facilities.

Congressman Tonko addressed the importance of Jason’s Law and fielded questions concerning the many misconceptions about House Bill H.R. 2156. Questions were given by Project World Awareness and the Congressman cleared up the rumors being spread about Jason’s Law.

One caller, Andy Warcaba of Andrew J. Warcaba & Associates, called in as well, to discuss the problem with the building of safe parking for commercial trucks.

To clear up the misconceptions about Jason’s Law, hear what Congressman Tonko had to say:

: allen smith, H.R. 2156, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, paul tonko, truck parking, trucking talk radio

allen smith, H.R. 2156, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, paul tonko, truck parking, trucking talk radio

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Truth About Trucking “LIVE” Talk Radio Upcoming Shows

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, Talk Radio Show, Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking, trucking on February 3rd, 2010

Blog Talk Radio is the largest social radio media in the world, pulling in 6 million listeners every day. Truth About Trucking “LIVE” is the premier trucking talk radio show on BTR. Launching in July, 2008 the show has obtained a global listening audience of 100,000 with a +/- of three percent.

As noted by Blog Talk Radio: “Your show is exactly the kind we look for . . . something totally different and separate from the main media stream.”

In association with our main website, Truth About Trucking, my goal from the very beginning was to not be just more talk, but to stand up and take viable action in “raising the standards of the trucking industry” and to provide real and valuable assistance to CDL students and new drivers entering into a trucking career. One way of doing this, is through our BTR show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE.”

We have scheduled further broadcasts for February, 2010 and would invite everyone to tune in and come join the conversation:

2-11-10 – Florida High Speed Rail – Inside Florida Transportation - 7 PM EST

“The Florida High Speed Rail proposal, Private Public Partnerships, fiscal irresponsibility and the selling off of America. Former Orange County mayoral candidate and transportation activist, Sally Baptiste returns as our special guest to discuss the Governmental waste of your tax dollars and her role in the September, 2009 Tea Party movement in Washington, D.C. Visit her website at: http://www.tollscreategridlock.org

2-17-10 – Human Trafficking – Truckers Call to Action – 7 PM EST

“Human trafficking is America’s modern day slavery. Men, women and children are being bought and sold in the United States and abroad and has become a $32 billion industry worldwide. Kylla Leeburg, of chapter61.com is our special guest, as we look at this horrific crime and how truckers are being called to action to help rescue the victims of Human Trafficking in America. For more information, please visit: http://www.truckersagainsttrafficking.com

2-18-10 – Congressman Paul Tonko on Jason’s Law – 7 PM EST

“Congressman Paul Tonko (D) N.Y., is our special guest as we discuss the importance of passing House Bill H.R.2156. Better known as Jason’s Law, this bill will provide safe and secure parking for our nation’s truck drivers. Congressman Tonko will bring us up to date on this important issue that is so vital to the safety of all truckers.”

Be sure to bookmark us and add us to your favorites, and come join the conversation.

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Jason’s Law Remains one of Trucking’s Most Important Issues

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, trucking, trucking life on January 19th, 2010

Rest Area Closed Never in my life have I seen so much interest from trucking and non-trucking individuals, companies and organizations focusing on issues concerning the overall state of the U. S. ground transportation industry, than what I’m seeing at present. As the largest sector of industry in the world, it is no wonder. Never before has the saying ever been more true: “Without Trucks … America Stops!”

At nearly every turn, there seems to be an issue facing the trucking industry today that will certainly determine the future of this massive industry that employs hundreds of millions of American workers. I was recently asked my opinion on what I considered to be the top issues facing the trucking industry in 2010. After a little thought, I came up with my 2010 Top Trucking Issues list:

Economy

Government Regulations

Fuel Cost

Highway Infrastructure

Hours of Service

Environmental issues

Truck Size and Weight

Border Opening

I’m sure I could come up with a few more if I set my mind to it. With so many issues facing the industry and the compounded uncertainty of the economy, it is easy to forget an important issue here and there . . . one which must not be ignored or forgotten is the serious factor that remains among our nation’s drivers: the need for establishing safe and secure parking for America’s truck drivers.

Jason’s Law, Bill H. R. 2156, will do just that. A petition is defined as: “A formal written document requesting a right or benefit from a person or group in authority.”

A signed petition shows those in authority that the specific request is needed, wanted and supported by all those who have affixed their signatures to the document. Those signatures are the telling signs that there is “power” behind the proposed cause. Because the more signatures received only adds to the just cause of the requested right or benefit, we need to continue showing our support for Jason’s Law by continuing the petition signing.

At present, 8,978 signatures of support have been received. Tell your friends . . . spread the word . . . keep the support coming. It will only further add to the showing of support by “We the People” to those who have the authority to make it happen.

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government – lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.”

Patrick Henry

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Justice is Served for Fellow Truck Driver Jason Rivenburg

Posted by Max4health in Safety, otr trucking on December 4th, 2009

Man Convicted of Jason Rivenburg's murder

Today in a Calhoun county Courtroom in South Carolina, suspect Willie Pelzer was found guilty for the murder of Jason Rivenburg whom he shot in the head on March 5, 2009. It only took the jury a few hours to find Pelzer guilty of the murder. The defense team fought hard saying that there was no physical evidence linking his client to Rivenburg’s killing, however, testimony by Pelzer’s childhood friends , girlfriend and many other witnesses, proved to aid in the quick deliberation of the guilty verdict. The surprise though, was that when Pelzer was being sentenced, he confessed to the shooting of Rivenburg.

Rivenburg’s widow, Hope Rivenburg, was in the courtroom for the entire trial, which began on Tuesday Dec 1st, until the verdict on Friday Dec 4th. Hope has been promoting and pushing hard for the passing of “Jasons Law” HR2156, a bill that was presented to the House of Representatives by New York Congressman Paul Tonko in April of this year. The Rivenburgs, who are residents of New York state, have worked closely with Rep Tonko since the murder of Jason.

Rivenburg Family

Hope’s passionate desire to encourage people to sign the petition for the bill has been ongoing for months now. She shared her tragic story with hundreds of truckers in Dallas ,Texas this last August at The Great American Show. Hope was there with her 3 children of 2 and under, as she presented pictures, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and the petition for Jason’s Law. Hope’s booth was set up behind our booth ( TruckerApp) and I will tell you that I saw more than one driver with a teary eye when he/she walked away from her booth. Most of the drivers had not even known of the murder and were touched by listening to the tragic story.

The bill HR 2156 will ensure safe truck parking for drivers. Parking has been a concern for truckers for many many years, but has somehow always been side stepped when it came to actually doing something about the problem.

“Jason’s Law” would create a six year pilot program that would make $120 million available in from of grants ($20 million per year) for local governments and private companies to address the shortage of parking for commercial vehicles on the National Highway System.

If you have not signed the petition for the passing of “Jason’s law”, we ask that you do it now. We also have a video which will further explain the tremendous need for this bill to be passed into law.

Many thanks to Hope Rivenburg for her strength, courage, perseverance, and the determination to ensure that no other family will have to suffer through a similar tragedy such as hers. Please sign the petition so that HR2156 will be put into law and Jason Rivenburg’s death will not be in vain.

: H.R. 2156, hope rivenburg, jason rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, Jasons Law Petition, Jasons Law Video, truck driver, trucking, Willie Pelzer

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Safe Truck Parking Advocates Recognized at Trucking Show

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, trucking on August 26th, 2009

The drive for secure and safe parking areas for our professional truck drivers was on display at the recent Great American Trucking Show and its popularity and recognition was well noticed. Hope Rivenburg and family members were set up at booth #23149 and the voice of Jason Rivenburg was heard loud and clear. Advocating for Jason’s Law, hundreds of trucking enthusiasts and drivers learned, for many the first time, about Jason’s Law H. R. 2156, which is a bill seeking to pass a law to address the ongoing and escalating problems with truck driver safety and security.

With thousands of attendees enjoying the three day event, the Jason’s Law Booth even caught the attention of GATS as a featured article of the event:

Jason's Law at GATS 2009

Hundreds of new signatures were received for the Jason’s Law petition and new awareness for the cause was escalated. Donna finally got to meet Hope Rivenburg and the twins: Logan and Hezekiah.

Hope Rivenburg with Donna Smith

It was quite apparent that the Rivenburg family is on a mission to bring about safe and secure truck parking, being joined by literally thousands of supporters for the cause, and the 2009 GATS show did just that. It was a lot of work and effort and I would like to thank Hope and her family for all their effort it took to get to Dallas for the show: Hope with Josh and the twins:

Josh-Hope-Logan-Hezekiah

A lot of work and determination, but also some fun and enjoyment as well. Little Josh Rivenburg even got to meet TruckinDog Karma and her owner Trucker Desiree:

truckindogKarma

Jason’s Law was a great success at the Great American Trucking Show . . . and their sign said it all:

Jason's Law Support

Allen

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Great American Trucking Show, hope rivenburg, jason rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, safe parking, truck drivers, truck parking, trucking

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YOU Did It! Jason’s Law is Going to GATS

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, trucking on July 26th, 2009

Safe Truck Parking - Jason's Law Because of YOUR support and dedication to the cause, Jason’s Law will be attending the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas. Your donation(s) have insured that Hope Rivenburg and family members will have the opportunity to keep this important issue out in the open, and to continue forward in achieving the final goal: to pass H.R. 2156 into law.

We can never take anything for granted, especially those decisions which ultimately come from within the Washington beltway. We must continue to push forward and let our voices be heard through various means: blog posts, emails, letters, phone calls . . . even if we believe that Jason’s Law will pass with flying colors, we can never assume that it is a “done deal.” We need to continue on by never allowing our support to grow quiet just because we think “that it’s going to pass anyway.”

With Jason’s Law now headed to GATS, this is only one aspect of the two part goal. Now, let’s keep working to insure . . . to be certain . . . that Jason’s Law will, in fact, become law. Safe and secure parking areas for our nation’s truck drivers will certainly add to the equation of preventing such tragedies from happening to another driver and family. Even if it is just one driver, that would be one life saved, one family spared.

Thanks to all of you who donated to the Jason’s Law GATS cause. As trucking companies and organizations chose not to donate, truck drivers and non-truckers alike, came together and showed that even a “small group” of people can make a difference. We are ecstatic about the large anonymous donations that came in the weekend of the 25th. Your generous donations are now over $2,800.00, plus the GATS booth which is valued at $1200, donated by gotruckstop.com. The Rivenburgs are going to Dallas!

Be it one dollar or five hundred dollars, your donation is the reason that H.R. 2156 will have a place at the Great American Trucking Show. There is no purpose in showing “who” donated, because they did not do it for recognition . . . they did not allow ego’s to stand in the way for supporting a worthy cause. It was done for the simple fact alone, that Jason’s Law is an important and vital bill that needs to be passed to insure safe and secure parking for the millions of professional truck drivers who keep America moving every day.

H.R. 2156 will be at GATS, thanks to all of you. YOU did it.

Let’s keep pushing forward . . . keep working to bring H.R. 2156 into law. Do not “assume” that the goal has been accomplished. It reminds me of a saying that an instructor always told me:

“Never claim victory, until the battle has been won.”

Because of YOU, Jason’s Law will seek further support at GATS . . . keep sounding your voices . . . keep signing the petition.

Thanks to all for your help in this cause,

Allen Smith

: dallas, donation, GATS, Great American Trucking Show, H.R. 2156, jason rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, rivenburg, support, truck drivers, Truckers, trucking

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Let’s Bring Jason’s Law to the Great American Trucking Show

Posted by Allen Smith in trucking, trucking blogs, trucking companies on July 21st, 2009

The brotherhood of truckers. It’s out there … still … I’m sure of it. Your support of Jason’s Law has generated, at this point, 7582 signatures on the Jason’s Law petition. Your support is greatly appreciated. Many of us are working together to help raise the funds needed to assist the Rivenburg’s in attending The Great American Trucking Show, coming up in August in Dallas, Texas.

To date, all donations have come from truckers, non-truckers and many great trucking related websites. Apparently, trucking companies and the large trucking organizations who boast about their support for drivers and the industry, do only that – “boast.” Practically, each State has their own Trucking Association, however, have yet to step up and respond by donating even just a few dollars to this important step in moving the H. R. 2156 bill further into the public spotlight.

Getting Jason’s Law to The Great American Trucking Show would do just that.

GoTruckStop.com has donated their booth to the Rivenburg family and have set up a donation page to achieve this critical issue. The trucking companies, organizations and associations appear to be leaving the responsibility up to the truckers, individuals and those hosting various sites related to our nation’s truck drivers and the industry. These are the real “movers and shakers” who believe that the “brotherhood” still exist.

Help bring the Rivenburg family to the truck show in Dallas. Any amount of donation is appreciated and will further the cause in Jason’s Law.

DONATE for GATS . . .

Thanks everyone,

Allen Smith

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” Get Jasons Law to Gats” You Can Help

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Truck Stops, Trucker Donations, Truckers Health, trucking on July 17th, 2009

For the last few days there’s been a drive to try to assist Hope Rivenburg and family of slain trucker, Jason Rivenburg, to attend GATS!

The family plans on attending GATS in order to ensure that the Bill HR 2156 ( Jasons Law) is passed. They want to reach out to as many drivers as possible so they understand the importance of supporting “Jason’s Law” which will be part of a pilot program, expanding the amount of safe parking, therefore reducing the risk of another family experiencing the tragic loss that they have had to endure.

Shortly after the first post was written TG Graff of GoTruckStop.com immediatley responded by offering his booth to Hope and family. He has since then started a donation drive, ” Get Jasons Law to Gats” encouraging truckers from all over to donate$5.00 to the fund. It wasn’t long after that, others started to follow. Power is in numbers and we all need to help assuring that Jason’s family can attend GATS and represent the Bill which was started in his name.

Today TJ left a comment on the original blog post. This is what he wrote:

Comment:

I just wanted to thank everyone that has donated so far to the “Get Jason’s Law to
GATS” fund. As of this posting we have collected $510 … and hopefully more to
come.

GoTruckStop.com is also donating the cost to provide carpeting, table, and chairs
for the booth at GATS for Jason’s Law.

Won’t you please be part of this worthy cause?

Here is a chance to get up and do something that can make a difference to YOUR
industry.

If we had 500 folks just simply give $5.00 (the cost of 2 Starbuck’s coffees) we
would have Hope and her organization in Dallas.

How about it?

TJ Graff
Dir of Sales and Marketing
GoTruckStop.com

Just a few more days remaining friends. We need approximately $2500.00 more for Hope Rivenburg and her family to be able to attend the Great American Truck Show so they can ” Get Jasons Law to Gats” We ask you to donate just a dollar or two…..that’s all.

DONATE TO “GET JASON’S LAW to GATS”

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Administration Wants to Extend Deadline for Transportation Act

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, trucking on July 15th, 2009

As posted by: Jason’s Law website

President Obama is trying to extend the deadline for the Transportation Act for eighteen months. We can’t let this happen. We need to inundate the White House and Senate with calls so they know that the American Public does not support this. The following link is a press release from the House saying that they plan on moving forward with the plan.

http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=957

It is extremely important that you put the pressure on today as the Senate is marking up the extension bill today.

White House phone Numbers:

Comments:   202-456-1111
Switchboard:   202-456-1414
FAX:   202-456-2461

Contact your Senate:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

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