CONCORD, NH. (February 15, 2012) - In response to an overwhelming demand for Patriots license plates in the state of New Hampshire, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Joshua Kraft, Patriots Cheerleaders and Pat Patriot will attend the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on Feb. 23, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the statehouse, located at 107 North Main Street in Concord, to support Senate Bill 390.
During the hearing, the bill's primary sponsor, Senator Gary Lambert, and Patriots representatives will present details about the proposed program, provide testimony and answer questions from the committee.
"Some of our greatest and most loyal fans are in New Hampshire and many of them have expressed their desire for Patriots charitable license plates," said New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Joshua Kraft. "We respect the process and know this is the first of several steps in bringing Patriots license plates to the state of New Hampshire, which would generate funds for invaluable New Hampshire nonprofits. We have given thousands of dollars in grants to nonprofits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island through successful charitable license plate programs in those states."
Senator Lambert and Patriots representatives will propose Patriots plates for a fee of $40 per plate, with $20 going to the state's general fund and $20 to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation (NEPCF). One hundred percent of the funds collected by the NEPCF would fund grants that would benefit New Hampshire nonprofits. Renewals would cost a proposed $15, with $5 going to the state and $10 to NEPCF to fund additional grants for New Hampshire nonprofits. In addition, the bill proposes the ability to purchase and auction low-number New Hampshire Patriots license plates of 999 and below, all benefiting New Hampshire nonprofits.
"The Patriots license plate program is a win-win opportunity in creating funds for the state of New Hampshire as well as supporting nonprofits that serve our communities," said Senator Gary Lambert. "New Hampshire is 'Patriots country' and this would be an opportunity for fans to show their Patriots pride while making a difference by supporting local charitable causes."
Patriots fans are welcome to attend the public hearing next Thursday.
Patriots license plates are currently available in the state of Massachusetts, with more than 20,000 plates on the road, and in Rhode Island, with more than 2,500 plates issued. Preorders are currently being collected in the state of Maine in preparation for production. For more information about Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine Patriots license plates visit www.patriots.com/community.
To successfully bring Patriots license plates to New Hampshire, the bill must be approved through the Senate, House and Governor before being opened to preorders. These approvals and preorders can take more than a year to complete.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the non-profit organization established by the Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants and the donation of signed memorabilia to charitable causes, and from Patriots players who offer their direct support by appearing at charity functions throughout the year.
The Foundation's primary goal is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health. The Foundation has taken special interest in youth programs that encourage education, creativity and development of character. For more information about the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, please visit www.patriots.com/community.
