Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Miller’s Office
Assemblyman Miller recently presented the special plates to the Como family: Ava Grace, Tiziana, Anthony, and Joseph.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) recently presented constituents, the Como family, a personalized Down syndrome license plate.
Earlier this year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill sponsored by Miller that will raise awareness of Down syndrome through the special plates and the establishment of the Down Syndrome Research Fund.
According to Miller, the new law allows residents to purchase distinctive plates bearing the words “Down Syndrome Awareness” for an annual $25 service fee. The charge is in addition to regular registration fees, which will be deposited to the credit of the newly created DSRF. This special account will be a joint fund managed by the commissioner of the State Department of Taxation and Finance and the State Comptroller, Miller noted.
“This law came about because a constituent of mine named Anthony Como, whose son Joseph has Down syndrome, asked me to bring public awareness to Down syndrome,” Miller said. “I look forward to seeing the distinctive license plate on the road in the near future.”
According to the Mayor Clinic, Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. It’s the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabilities in children.
