Secretary of State Candice Miller will begin accepting orders for the new “Proud To Be American” license plate today.

Miller joined state Sen. Shirley Johnson, R-Royal Oak, and Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus at the state Capitol on Friday to unveil the new plate.

Money raised from the new plate will be donated to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to aid in disaster relief. The plate features a dark blue silhouette of Michigan, with the American flag superimposed over it.

“The people of Michigan have already been so extraordinarily generous to the American Red Cross and these funds that have been setup to provide relief for our fellow Americans,” Miller said.

The plates cost $35, and $25 will be divided between the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. The renewal fee is $10, and it will also be shared.

Rogers targets terrorists cash flow

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, helped create anti-terrorist funding legislation that was approved Friday by the House Financial Services Committee.

The bill helps authorities combat potential terrorists by establishing a government and industry partnership to stop money transfers. The bill tracks terrorist money in secret offshore operations.

“We need to be prepared now more than ever,” Rogers said.

The bill also bans Internet gambling, which provides money for offshore interests, because it may be linked to terrorist organizations. It also allows U.S. Customs Service officers authority to search outgoing international mail.

Kilpatrick says not to panic about economy

As state revenues decline, House Democratic leaders are urging their Republican counterparts to use caution with the budget.

“So far what we’ve seen from some leaders in Lansing is a lot of scrambling around and frankly, some contradictory behavior that sends the wrong message to the people of Michigan,” House Minority Leader Kwame Kilpatrick, D-Detroit said in a statement.