Conservatively Speaking

Lions Clubs license plates bill signed into law

Posted by Mary Lazich on May 7, 2010

Legislation

I am very pleased legislation I authored to create special license plates supporting Lions Clubs of Wisconsin was signed into law Wednesday by the Governor.  Senate Bill 307 (SB 307) allows special plates to be designed featuring a logo or image of the Lion associated with Lions Clubs International. A $15 fee for issuance or reissuance of the special plates will be charged along with a $25 annual fee that provides funds to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Inc.

The Wisconsin Lions Foundation, located at Rosholt Wisconsin on Wisconsin Lions Camp property, is operated by Lions Clubs. The Foundation runs statewide projects, including a camp for blind, deaf, cognitively disabled and diabetic children. 

There are 559 individual Lions Clubs in Wisconsin with a total of 19,633 Lions. Wisconsin has more than 2,800 Wisconsin Lioness members in 104 communities statewide.  Lioness members are affiliate members of Lions Clubs.

The New Berlin Lions Club web site reports, “In 1957, the club began plans to establish the first park in the community.  The club purchased 7.1 acres of land just west of Brookland at VFW Post 5716 Road between Cleveland and Lincoln Avenues.  The club built shelters, tennis courts and finally a library was built on this land which was donated to the City of New Berlin.  The club was also instrumental in establishing the first volunteer fire department in New Berlin.  In 1981 the club planted a Christmas tree on the corner of Civic Drive and National Avenue, which was the beginning of the annual lighting ceremony.  This is still held each year as part of the Christmas parade in November.  The club furnishes free ice cream at the annual Fourth of July picnic and is active in many community projects.  The club has donated in excess of $1,000,000.00 to date to its many projects.  It's amazing what the sale of one ear of corn does.”

Imagine the labors of only one Lions Club, the New Berlin Club, multiplied by the other 558 Lions Clubs in Wisconsin.  Add to that, the many Lions Clubs world-wide, and imagine Lions members immense service impact to communities, states, countries, and the entire world.    

I sincerely thank the many Lions that worked to get the legislation approved, and I thank my diligent staff for their efforts.  I am honored to have been able to shepherd the bill through the Wisconsin State Legislature.  As any Lion will tell you, it is all about the motto, "We Serve".

The new law means Wisconsin residents will have a unique opportunity to support an outstanding charity organization.



Senator Lazich and members of the Lions Club watch as Governor Doyle signs Lions Clubs Licenses Plates legislation into law May 5, 2010.

Governor Doyle congratulates Senator Lazich.