Rhode Island lawmakers are considering whether to end Mr. Potato Head specialty license plates after Hasbro announced it would move its headquarters from Pawtucket to Boston, according to an Associated Press report.
Under the proposal introduced earlier this month, the state Division of Motor Vehicles would stop providing Mr. Potato Head as an option for a specialty license plate. The report said the plate currently costs around $40, with half of that amount going to support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Rep. Brian Newberry, a Republican from North Smithfield, filed the legislation, the report said. In an email, Newberry argued that Hasbro leaving the state will cause “untold economic harm and loss of tax revenue.” He also said, “There is no reason we should be advertising their products on our license plates,” adding, “It may seem trivial compared to many other things but it’s a matter of self-respect.”
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank has depended on the plate for years, the report said. Kate MacDonald, the organization’s spokesperson, said: “The license plate started at a time when Mr. Potato Head was all over the state and was having a moment,” and “while it has tapered off over the years, it’s been a steady way for people to contribute.” MacDonald said the food bank has received nearly $60,000 over the years due to the plate.
An email was sent to Hasbro seeking comment, the report said.
Lew Pryeor, who helps collect and distribute food donations to hungry Rhode Islanders, said he was upset when he heard about Newberry’s bill. “My concern is, any cuts into the food programs is gonna affect some people,” Pryeor said. He added: “For him to say that he doesn’t like the plates, well, that’s your prerogative,” and “Don’t buy them. If it’s making money for the state, let it.”
Mr. Potato Head license plates were first issued in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the toy, the report said. The plates include a small image of Mr. Potato Head holding a sign for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and “help end hunger” at the bottom.
The report also outlined the character’s broader history, saying the National Museum of Play credits Mr. Potato Head as the first toy advertised on television in 1952. It said the original 1950s toy did not come with a plastic potato and instead required children to supply their own vegetable to poke eyes, a nose or mustache into, and that a Mrs. Potato Head was launched in 1953, followed by brother Spud, sister Yam, and additional pets and accessories.
The report said Hasbro later adopted a plastic spud after government regulations prevented certain toys from having pointed sharp edges and after complaints about children playing with rotting vegetables.