Cunningham, Turner, Gill Bill to Authorize Delta Sigma Theta

License Plates Signed into Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Sandra B. Cunningham, Senator Shirley K. Turner and Senator Nia H. Gill that will authorize the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special Delta Sigma Theta license plates was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on Friday.

In addition to all fees otherwise required by law for the registration of a motor vehicle, the law will provide for an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the Delta Sigma Theta plates.  After deducting the cost of designing, producing, issuing, renewing, publicizing and implementing the license plate program, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, the additional fees will be deposited into a special non-lapsing fund known as the “Delta Sigma Theta License Plate Fund.”

“By supporting this sorority through the license plate fund, we contribute to its ongoing efforts to make a difference in our world which began when the women of Delta Sigma Theta marched for Women’s Suffrage in 1913,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson).  “Since then it has been a force in civic and social justice, and has expanded into the areas of health, education and individual empowerment throughout the U.S. and abroad.  The proceeds from these license plates will enhance the ability of Delta Sigma Theta’s distinguished, dynamic women to continue their critical mission and programs.”

“Whether you are a member of Delta Sigma Theta or not, it would be an honor for any of us to display its insignia on our license plates because it promotes the sorority’s well-earned reputation as a force for good across the globe,” said Senator Turner (D-Hunterdon/Mercer). “The women of Delta Sigma Theta leverage established programs in local communities throughout the world to impact the lives of those who are disadvantaged and disenfranchised.  And they do it with clarity, commitment and compassion.”

“The work of these fierce, intelligent women is worthy of support as the sorority continues to transform our world,” said Senator Gill (D-Essex/Passaic).  “When Delta Sigma Theta boldly confronts the challenges of the marginalized, it elevates all of us to a place of greater dignity and well-being.”

The law requires that once the sorority submits a minimum of 500 completed applications for the plates and a maximum of $25,000 to offset the startup costs, a design will be chosen to honor the sorority with appropriate words or a slogan and an emblem.