Office of the Governor
David M. Beasley
Governor
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For Immediate Release Contact: Robyn Zimmerman
April 16, 1996 803/734-9840
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR EDUCATION LICENSE PLATES TO HELP PAY FOR SCHOOL COMPUTERS
(Columbia) -- Governor David M. Beasley announced today that South Carolina drivers may soon help put state schools on the road to increased computer technology.
The Governor, working with Speaker David Wilkins, Representative Bobby Harrell, Senator Nikki Setzler and others is asking the General Assembly to approve a special education license plate.
The plate depicts a bright red apple and a yellow ruler with the words: "Public Education: A Great Investment." All of the funds received will be used to purchase computers for South Carolina public schools. The plates will be available in August.
"This is an easy way for many South Carolinians to help our children be competitive with students from around the world," Governor Beasley said. "Access to computers is no longer just a nice opportunity for children. It is absolutely critical to their ability to learn, to access resources and gain the knowledge they need to be successful. I plan to place these special plates on every car in my security detail to show my strong, personal support of technology in our public schools - and I encourage every driver in South Carolina to join me in this easy, yet vital and concrete symbol of support for our children."
The plates will be available through the state Department of Public Safety's Motor Vehicle Division for $54 and must be renewed every two years.
John Hardee, President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of South Carolina joined the Governor to announce the Association will donate billboard space across the state to help promote the special education plate.
"I deeply appreciate this tremendous commitment and powerful statement John Hardee and the Outdoor Advertising Association are making on behalf of our children," Governor Beasley said. "This dramatically illustrates what good we can do when the public and private sectors join hands in progress."
"This new license plate will enable South Carolinians to demonstrate their support for our schools and children in two ways: When people see a vehicle with the apple license plate on it, they will know that driver supports public education," Dr. Nielsen said. "At the same time, the funds generated by the plate will help offset the cost of providing computers for students in classrooms across our state."
The Governor made the announcement this morning at Springdale Elementary School in Lexington.