Senate approves Jansens Habitat for Humanity license plate

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

LANSING — Legislation establishing a fundraising license plate recognizing Habitat for Humanity was approved Wednesday by the Michigan Senate, said sponsor Sen. Mark C. Jansen, R-Gaines Township.

“I’m proud to sponsor this bill to help an organization like Habitat raise funds for the important work that it does,” said Jansen, who was Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s director of special initiatives prior to serving in the Senate. “More than 3,500 partner families now live in decent and affordable housing thanks to the relentless efforts of Habitat’s dedicated volunteers and staff.”

Senate Bill 59 would allow the Secretary of State to create the special fundraising plate and establish the Habitat for Humanity Fund to which the donated money would be distributed.

Habitat for Humanity has already raised the startup fee required by law to develop, produce and issue the plate.

Michigan has 23 other fundraising or specialty license plates, including one for each of the state’s 15 public universities, the Northern Michigan Olympic Education Training Center and the Michigan Veterans Memorial.

According to Habitat for Humanity’s fundraising experiences, every dollar the organization receives from the license plate is expected to generate an additional $9 in private donations.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit international organization that seeks to eliminate homelessness and provide shelter to disadvantaged people in the United States and around the world.

According to Kenneth Bensen, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan president and CEO and Habitat for Humanity International’s ecumenical officer, Habitat affiliates build a house in Michigan approximately every 34 hours.

“My bill will help Habitat for Humanity of Michigan raise funds and help increase public awareness,” Jansen said. “I look forward to seeing this bill become law.”