GRAND RAPIDS — Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) applauded the passage of House Bill 5138 today, which would create a fundraising license plate that would raise money for breast and cervical cancers testing for lower-income women. The bill is substantially similar to HB 5047, introduced by Brinks in October.

“I’m proud to support a bill that will improve the health of women around the state and could save the lives of many,” Brinks said. “Making sure that women can easily access the life-saving cancer screenings and treatments they need is one of my top priorities in the Legislature. This proposal will help families across the state enjoy longer, healthier lives together.”

HB 5138 would allow for the creation of a license plate that could be purchased for an extra fee. That fee will be deposited into a special state account used to fund breast and cervical cancer detection and treatment. The fund was created by the Legislature in 2007, and taxpayers could choose to donate to it by checking off a box on their state income tax forms. HB 5138 gives people another avenue to donate to the fund while promoting breast cancer awareness through a special license plate.

“Breast and cervical cancers don’t distinguish between Democrat or Republican women,” Brinks said. “All of us are vulnerable to these terrible cancers. That’s why it’s important that we all work together to improve early detection of these cancers, when they can more effectively be stopped. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support for this bill, and I will keep working to improve the health and lives of Michigan women.”