Lincoln Bicentennial Special License Plates
Earlier this week, I wrote that House Minority Leader Tom Cross had indicated police groups have expressed concerns with special license plates and that there had been a general "move away" from the issuance of new special plates in Springfield. I also mentioned that Representative Cross, and several other legislators, subsequently voted for special "In God We Trust" plates.
Yesterday, the House adopted an amendment to another "In God We Trust" special plates bill, transforming it into a "Lincoln Bicentennial" special plates bill. The new special plates would cost an additional $25 initially and upon renewal. Upon issuance, $10 would go into a new Lincoln Legacy Scholarship Fund; and $15 would go into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund to help defray the administrative processing costs. With each renewal, $23 would go into the Lincoln Legacy Scholarship Fund; and $2 into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.
Subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, and approval by the Secretary, all money in the Lincoln Legacy Scholarship Fund would be paid as grants to the Illinois Community College System Foundation, to be used to fund the Lincoln Legacy Scholarship program, founded by the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The Illinois Community College System Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; and the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was created by Governor Rod Blagojevich, by executive order, back on February 14th of 2006. The Illinois commission is separate and distinct from the federal Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission on which several Illinois representatives also serve.
The bill has been scheduled for a third reading and short debate; and if it passes, it will then go to the Senate for approval. I have three questions for readers to answer in their comments:
1. Considering the concerns allegedly expressed by police groups regarding special license plates, should the General Assembly be authorizing the creation of new special plates?
2. What do you think about the practice of creating a separate "special fund" within the State treasury for each of these special plates, as has been the common practice?
3. Do you think that this proposal would be a good use of the funds? (i.e. Would the funds be going to the right organizations and be earmarked for the best possible use?)
4 comments:
I love the idea, thank GOD we have some good ideas coming out of Springfield. It is a no lose bill. Whoever came up with this should get a pat on the back.
There is not much of anything good coming out of Springfield these days. If you, like everyone else is wondering where Blago is? I found him: he's at http://recallblago.blogspot.com
How about a window plaque vs a plate for all these "special groups / events" or only valid for display on the front of a vchl.
Does anyone audit the actual end-use of these special funds. Did the monies go for a Scholarship or to pay for other things for the receiving organization.
anonymous wrote, "Does anyone audit the actual end-use of these special funds."
The Illinois Auditor General audits every state agency at least once every two years. The Illinois Comptroller also maintains a website that allows you to get a description of each fund in the treasury, as well as current balance.
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