Kean bill creates special license plate for drug recovery

WALL, N.J. – Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (R-Monmouth/Ocean) has introduced legislation

(A-5061) issuing special support recovery license plates that will provide housing assistance funding for individuals who have completed substance abuse treatment.

“Special license plates have become a way to champion a cause and generate much needed revenue. Drug addiction is an epidemic right now and a support recovery license plate will demonstrate support for anyone touched by drug addiction and help to fund sober housing,” said Kean.

The idea for a special license plate to support drug recovery efforts was the brainchild of Ms. Donna DeStefano, a local resident whose daughter is in recovery from drug addiction. DeStefano is the founder and CEO of Parents in Connection for Kids, Inc. commonly known as PICK. Awareness, a non-profit organization that seeks to provide substance abuse treatment resources and referrals to parents of children with alcohol and drug addiction as well as bringing substance abuse awareness and prevention education to families and professionals.

“PICK. Awareness believes that support recovery license plates will bring a sorely needed sustainable funding model to fill the gap of recovery support services to help break the cycle of addiction,” remarked DeStefano. “We believe that everyone is relevant. We want to break the stigma of addiction, encourage the public to reach out for help, inform them, advocate for them and reduce heroin overdoses and substance use disorder in our state.”

The intent of this measure is to reduce homelessness as a barrier to recovery and provide a sustainable funding source for indigent individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addictions who need housing in a sober living environment. Further, access to a sober living environment will help to reduce relapse and break the cycle of addiction.

The license plate will consist of an image of a compass rose with cardinal direction indicators enclosed in a circle, and the words “support recovery” beneath the image. This license plate will provide funding for recovery, but it will also serve as a visible sign of support to those impacted by the opioid epidemic and drug and alcohol addiction.

The bill has bipartisan support and has been referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.