MechanicsburgOH.com

In 2008, Ohio Governer Ted Strickland signed into law the "Money-Burge Act" (Am.H.B. 392). Linda Wuestenberg and Mechanicsburg resident Carmela Wiant were instrumental in the introduction of this legislation. This law allows The Ohio Bureau of Vehicles to establish a database listing the next of kin to be contacted in the event of an emergency. Anyone with a valid Ohio driver's license or Ohio identification card may register an emergency contact person or persons at any BMV Deputy Registrar location or online. For more information, visit http://www.money-burge.com.

With permission, Carmela Wiant shared this story (also posted on the Money-Burge website).

"My name is Carmela Wiant and my Son is David Christopher Money. He waskilled in an auto accident from hydroplaning August 7, 2006 inColumbus, Ohio. The way we found out was the Chaplain ended up telling me over the phone that my only child had died. He was 23 years old and 3 days later he would have been 24 years old. No one should ever be told this way and I didn't get to be with my son as soon as it happened.

I started this Bill in April of 2007 because I do not want other peopleto ever hear about a loved one dying the way we had to find out. The emotional trauma of being told is very devastating no matter what but being told properly would cause less trauma. Something had to be done. Putting an emergency contact on the drivers license can help Law Enforcement Agencies find people much quicker. This way the family can be with their child or loved one much quicker.

The process of doing this Bill sometimes was very emotional, very stressful and sometimes I just wanted to quit, but every time I would look at my Son's picture I would say "What if the tables were turned and they told him this way?" and sometimes I could just hear him say to me "Mom don't you ever give up, you keep going because I know you can."

This is part of the process of what I put together, of how I did the Bill.The letters I wrote and I received in putting the Bill together. But most of the support I received from my wonderful Husband and others.

When you know that this will help others, you stay with your Senators & Representatives and you call them. Every time there is a Committee Meeting or Hearing you should be there at most or all of them. This Bill was passed through the Legislators within 1 year and the Senate& House all sponsored the Bill.

This Bill is called the "Money-Burge Act" Senate Bill # 249 and House Bill#392, (Also know as the "Next Of Kin" Bill, in Memory of David Money andSteve Burge. More information about the Bill is listed on this website. We invite you toreview the information, and we hope that you consider having your "Next of Kin" information added the next time you visit your Local License Bureau. It's a simple process and could be a vital link between Emergency Services and your Family members in time of need. - Carmela Wiant"

• Submitted by:
  William Love-Baldwin
  Website Administrator