Gov. Tim Walz’s approval of a new specialty “blackout” license plate is sparking criticism from first-responder supporters, who say it diverts funds from an all-black plate benefiting families of fallen responders.
They argue the confusion has led many Minnesotans to choose Walz’s plate, sending money to the state instead of helping first-responder families through the Minnesota 100 Club (MN100 Club).
MN100 Club’s black plate supports first responders
In 2019, the MN100 Club approached the state legislature with a proposal for their own specialty black license plate. The organization, founded in 1972, provides immediate financial assistance to the families of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.
The proposal called for $40 from each plate sale to be directed toward financial support for the families of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and corrections officers.
The legislature approved the plates in 2021, and they went on sale in September 2022.
Currently, there are about 20,000 plates on the road, according to MN100 executive director Julie Gotham.
Proceeds from the plates have enabled the MN100 Club to award grants and provide monetary gifts during the holidays to families of fallen responders with dependent children.
Club members believe the funds to help these families would be higher if not for competition from the state’s blackout plate.
Walz launched competing plate despite warnings
George Peyton, a board member of the MN100 Club, and his wife, Geri, recall attending “The Minnesota Breakfast” in 2023, an annual event in Naples, Fla., for state retirees, where Gov. Tim Walz gave a speech.
During his remarks, the Peytons say Walz shared an idea inspired by Iowa’s all-black license plate, suggesting that Minnesota adopt a similar version.
After the speech, the Peytons informed Walz that the MN100 Club already had a black plate benefiting first responders and showed him a photo.
“You talk about [implementing] a blackout plate, but Minnesota already has one,” they recalled telling the governor. “Our interest is generating money for first responders who are killed or injured in the line of duty and their families. Why would you want to compete with that?”
Confusion over plates impacts funds for first responders
Despite the club’s concerns, Walz moved forward with the plates, officially launching the state’s new “blackout” license plate on Jan. 1, 2024.
The plates cost $15.50 and require a minimum annual contribution of $30, with proceeds benefiting the DMV rather than first responders.
Walz, who has a personalized blackout plate with the phrase “ONE MN” on his restored 1979 Scout II, said in remarks to the media that the plate was primarily aimed at car enthusiasts and driven by nostalgia.
“I think it’s nostalgia. When you talk to car enthusiasts, they are the ones who mostly ask for this,” said Walz.
Some members of the the MN100 Club argue that helping first-responder families in need is far more important than “nostalgia.”
“I said this helps our first responders,” a flabbergasted Geri recalled telling Walz at the time.
“It’s frustrating because money that could be going to families in need is now going elsewhere,” George said. “People don’t realize that if they chose our black plate, they’d be directly supporting Minnesota’s fallen heroes.”
Gotham says while she’s thankful the state approved the MN100 Club specialty plates, she believes that the similarity between the club’s and the state’s plates lends for misunderstanding.
“I think that sometimes people get confused and they may not understand that there’s a difference between the two plates,” Gotham stated.
MN100 Club license plates are available through the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services, with options for personalization or a standard tag. While similar to the state’s blackout plates, the MN100 plates feature a subtle American flag, the club’s logo, and the words “Supporting First Responders.”
Alpha News reached out to the governor’s office for comment, but they did not respond.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
