Alaska Senate Majority Leader Kevin Meyer is pushing legislation that would create license plates aimed at making a statement. If passed, Senate Bill 16 would create "choose life" license plates.
The Republican senator from Anchorage says the plates are pro-life plates, but says it's not just about spreading an anti-abortion message. He says the "choose life" statement represents choosing life in all walks of life.
He says several groups have thrown their support behind the bill, including suicide prevention groups, several religious organizations and adoption agencies. Meyer says for him the plates are about promoting the idea of adoption. Meyer and his wife adopted a girl.
Planned Parenthood of the Northwest representative Clover Simon says Planned Parenthood isn't opposed to the plates. She says Planned Parenthood encourages mothers to "choose life" if it's the best option for them. But Simon says to be fair, the state would need to provide "pro-choice" plates as well. Meyer says he's not opposed to that.
Currently, kickbacks from the plates would go toward pro-life agencies, but Meyer says the intent is not to make money. Meyer says he will revisit that portion of the bill, and hopes to work with the Department of Motor Vehicles to sell the plates at cost.
Contact Jackie Bartz at jbartz@ktuu.com
