STATE AIRPLANE: B-24 LIBERATOR                                                                  S.B. 161:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 161 (as introduced 2-15-17)

Sponsor:  Senator Rebekah Warren

Committee:  Transportation

Date Completed:  5-3-17

CONTENT

The bill would create a new act to designate the B-24 Liberator as the official State airplane.

BACKGROUND

Built in the United States, the B-24 Liberator was a heavy bomber that is most known for its combat use in every theater during World War II. According to the United States Air Force, the bomber was particularly suited for long-range raiding operations, such as the raid from North Africa against oil industries in Ploesti, Rumania, on August 1, 1943. Reportedly, more than 18,000 Liberators were produced.

One of the major production facilities for the Liberator was the Willow Run manufacturing complex (built by the Ford Motor Company), located between Ypsilanti and Belleville. Production of the Liberator at the plant was said to begin in the summer of 1941. Reportedly, at its peak, the Willow Run complex produced 650 B-24s per month, and produced nearly half of the total estimated 18,000 Liberators built.

                                                                           Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                                       Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.