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Lawmaker: Put Ads On License Plates For Revenue

CHICAGO (CBS) -- An Illinois lawmaker is hoping to raise the state's revenues by selling advertising on license plates.

As CBS 2's Kris Habermehl reports, state Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago) has proposed a bill to allow for sponsorships on license plates. The drivers would buy the plates at a discount, and the sponsors would make up the difference.

The proposal would discount $99 license plates to $84, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Mulroe says the plan would raise revenue without raising taxes.

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As it is, Illinois already has numerous specialty and special event license plates, showcasing everything from universities to the Blackhawks and Cubs. They are made by a Decatur-based company that hires disabled workers, the Tribune reported.

Possible deals for naming rights and advertising have been discussed in many unexpected places recently.

Back in November, the Chicago Transit Authority announced plans to issue a request for proposals for companies issued in naming rights. These could include rapid stations, bus lines or 'L' lines, or even the agency's name or logo.

Rumors had circulated that the North/Clybourn Red Line subway station would reopen with "Apple" in its name, after Apple Inc. financed a public-private partnership to refurbish the station. Backlit Apple advertising and signage are now found all around the newly-reopened station, but it is still called North/Clybourn as of now.

But Apple has reportedly expressed interest in renaming the station the "Apple Red Line Stop" after investing almost $4 million in the renovation.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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