Lawmaker: Put Ads On License Plates For Revenue
CHICAGO (CBS) -- An Illinois lawmaker is hoping to raise the state's revenues by selling advertising on license plates.
As CBS 2's Kris Habermehl reports, state Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago) has proposed a bill to allow for sponsorships on license plates. The drivers would buy the plates at a discount, and the sponsors would make up the difference.
The proposal would discount $99 license plates to $84, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Mulroe says the plan would raise revenue without raising taxes.
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As it is, Illinois already has numerous specialty and special event license plates, showcasing everything from universities to the Blackhawks and Cubs. They are made by a Decatur-based company that hires disabled workers, the Tribune reported.
Possible deals for naming rights and advertising have been discussed in many unexpected places recently.
Rumors had circulated that the North/Clybourn Red Line subway station would reopen with "Apple" in its name, after Apple Inc. financed a public-private partnership to refurbish the station. Backlit Apple advertising and signage are now found all around the newly-reopened station, but it is still called North/Clybourn as of now.
But Apple has reportedly expressed interest in renaming the station the "Apple Red Line Stop" after investing almost $4 million in the renovation.
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