In a move that has stirred both support and controversy, Republican state senators have proposed two initiatives to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk. The measures, if passed, would serve both as a tribute and as a fundraising opportunity for Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded.
Proposed Legislation Honors Kirk
On Wednesday, the Arizona Senate voted along party lines to rename the Loop 202 in the Phoenix area as the “Charlie Kirk Loop 202.” Senate President Warren Petersen, who proposed the bill, stated, “Arizonans are regularly reminded of the tremendous legacy of this champion of free speech who was assassinated for his stand.”
In a related move, the Senate approved another bill to create a special license plate in Kirk’s honor. These bills now await approval by the House and a signature from Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who has not commented on her intentions.
Debate and Requirements
The proposed memorials have sparked debate regarding Kirk’s qualifications for such honors. Typically, a person must have been deceased for at least five years before a highway can be named after them, a rule bypassed in this case.
The special license plate requires the benefiting organization to raise $32,000 to initiate the process. This includes designing the plates, after which they become available for purchase. Vehicle owners would pay an additional $25 annually, with $17 of that amount going to the sponsoring organization.
While the bill doesn’t explicitly name Turning Point USA, the criteria are tailored to favor the organization. The qualifying group must “educate people through the development of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to engage in communities to restore traditional values, including patriotism and fiscal responsibility and the respect for life, liberty and family.” Additionally, the group must have a grassroots activist network on high school and college campuses in Arizona and assist college students with voter registration and absentee ballot requests. Crucially, the group must have been founded in 2012, the same year Turning Point USA was established.
Financial Implications
Specialty plates serve as both a promotional tool for causes and a revenue stream. Last year, such plates generated $12 million for various charities. While lawmakers must craft each measure to appear open to any qualifying group, the language in SB 1439 effectively ensures that only Turning Point USA meets the criteria.
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