SEPTEMBER 21, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today praised legislation on its way to the governor for signing that repeals the sunset on the state's fundraising license plates.

"The fundraising license plates provide residents with an opportunity to show their school pride or promote a variety of important causes to Michigan causes," Land said. "The interest in these plates also helps raise much-needed revenue for the university or cause. Thanks to the work of bill sponsor Representative David Law, residents can continue to purchase and enjoy these unique plates.

"It's also important to remember that in times of disaster, such as with Hurricane Katrina, revenue generated by the state's patriotic license plate benefits American Red Cross and Salvation Army relief efforts."

House Bill 4963 repeals the Oct. 1 sunset date, allowing the Department of State to continue selling and renewing the existing fundraising license plates. When the fundraising-plate program was created in 2000, the Legislature authorized the department to issue the plates for five years.

The program benefits the universities of Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ferris State, Grand Valley State, Lake Superior State, Michigan, Michigan State, Michigan Technological, Northern Michigan, Oakland, Saginaw Valley, Wayne State and Western Michigan. The seven state-supported causes under the program are Agriculture Heritage, Clean Water, The Children's Trust Fund, disaster-relief services through the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, Lighthouse Preservation, Nongame Wildlife Habitat, and Veterans Memorial Fund.

In fiscal year 2003-04, there were 196,598 fundraising plate transactions generating $1.2 million for special causes and $1.2 million for the 15 state universities.

"People can continue to be ‘true to their school' or support their favorite cause with a fundraising license plate," Land concluded. "And, as long as there are cars, people will want to personalize them with their own unique style."

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