Killing specialty plates worries group that relies on money

KNOXVILLE (AP) — Attempts to eliminate specialty license plates in Tennessee, prompted by an anti-abortion plate, could jeopardize funding for nonprofit groups that rely on the money, some group members say.

Friends of the Smokies, a group that supports the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, claims a lawsuit targeting the proposed “Choose Life” plates threatens the future of the state’s entire specialty license plate program.

That could cost the group a lot of money. It raised more than $600,000 for park-related projects in 2003 with its “Friends of the Smokies” license plate.

“The loss of that plate would be devastating to our work,” said Jim Hart, executive director of Friends of the Smokies. “It’s our single biggest source of revenue.”

A lawsuit filed on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee was prompted by the Legislature’s approval of a specialty plate that bears the words “Choose Life.”

According to the lawsuit, the specialty license plate program creates a state endorsed forum that infringes on the rights of those with opposing viewpoints.

There are more than 100 specialty plates available in Tennessee that generate about $8.5 million annually.

Money from the “Friends of the Smokies” plate has been used for search-and-rescue equipment, Appalachian Trail maintenance, black bear conservation, and other programs.
———
On the Net:
Friends of the Smokies: http://www.friendsofthesmokies.org/

Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.