The 2014 Boston Marathon is just days away. For over a year, Bostonians and much of the country at-large have been living their lives by the mantra “Boston Strong.” Soon after today, they’ll be able to display that sentiment wherever they go, as Governor Deval Patrick has signed a bill into law allowing for the creation of “Boston Strong” license plates.
The bill originally passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives back in January before moving over to the Senate for consideration, constructive criticism and concurrence. Earlier this week, the measure passed the Senate and was brought to Governor Patrick’s desk, which he signed on Friday morning.
Per the bill, all proceeds from sales of the license plates, which will cost no less than $50 in addition to the established registration fee, will be donated to The One Fund Boston or, in the event of its dissolution, another nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to the victims of last year’s Marathon attacks.
Representatives from The One Fund Boston released the following statement:
The Boston Strong license plate enacted to support the One Fund Boston and all of the victims and survivors of the Marathon attacks is tremendous not only in the financial support to this community, but also in the ongoing support and encouragement it will provide as this community continues their long and life changing recovery.
Thank you to the entire state delegation, Governor Patrick, Mayor Walsh, Mayor Menino and all those that had a role in making this a reality. Seeing these plates on the road will help remind us all that we are one community and we are proud to be Boston Strong. One Fund Boston will continue its mission in supporting those most affected by last year’s attacks and plans for a second distribution this summer.
The One Fund will continue serving its mission as long as it is effective and will continue to work with the survivors, victim’s families and our partners to ensure that our community will never be forgotten – they have lifted the spirit of our state and city through their courage and we are committed to supporting them as they continue in their healing process.
It’s unclear at this point what the design of the plates will be, but they’ll most certainly bear the phrase “Boston Strong.” The Massachusetts Department of Transportation confirmed to BostInno in an email that they’ll debut later this year.
The passage of the law by both chambers of the state legislature came just one day before the one-year anniversary of the calamitous Boston Marathon bombings. A tribute event was attended by local, state and federal political officials, with remarks delivered by the governor, as well as Mayor Marty Walsh, his predecessor Mayor Tom Menino and Vice President Joe Biden.
Image via Spencer Crispino / Governor’s Office
