Senate Approves Vermont Strong License Plate

(Host) The Vermont Senate has approved a plan to issue commemorative "Vermont Strong" license plates to raise money for tropical storm Irene relief programs.

The plates are designed to go on the front of cars and trucks, and it's thought that people will purchase the plates for other uses as well.

Senator Jane Kitchel heads the Appropriation committee. She says the plates will cost $25, and the Department of Motor Vehicles will keep five dollars for administrative costs. Kitchel says the remaining money will be allocated to two programs:

(Kitchel) "$18 will go to disaster relief directly to assist people who have experienced losses and $2 will go the Vermont Food Bank because many food shelves obviously were damaged and the demand for charitable food was very significantly increased."

(Host) The Vermont Grocers Association expects to play a role in the sale of the plates. When the state issued Bicentennial plates in the early 1990s, the Grocers were responsible for the vast majority of license sales.

Jim Harrison is the Association's executive director:

(Harrison) "We think we can provide an outlet for the state to reach as many people as possible and sell more plates and in that case the winners are the Irene Fund and the food Bank. And if we can do something to further that, then I think we're very interested in trying to help as best we can with this effort."

(Host) The measure now goes to the House for its consideration. Supporters are hoping for quick action in the House so that the plates can be available for sale in the next few weeks.