By Dan Murphy
Now that democrats have won a majority of seats in the State Senate and have control of all three branches of state government, 2019 will be a year of several progressive initiatives for New Yorkers. One initiative is to provide driver’s licenses for undocumented residents of New York.
Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester recently wrote a letter of support to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the concept, which has the slogan Green Light NY.
Sylvester wrote: “Annually, more than 10 percent of all traffic tickets issued within our municipality are for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. An even higher percentage of our reported collisions involve one or more unlicensed drivers.”
“It is time to recognize that our efforts are not accomplishing the objective. We must change our strategy in order to effectively and efficiently make our roads safe.”
“Granting access to driver’s licenses would ensure that a greater proportion of our motorists have proven basic competency through written and practical examinations. Government-issued identification also has a positive impact on law enforcement interactions. Victims can more confidently report crime and our officers will have an improved ability to identify those with whom they interact.
“While I support this initiative, like many of my colleagues in the law enforcement community, I recognize certain challenges that must first be addressed. For that reason, I urge you to include our law enforcement leaders in the conversation. Considering the perspective of those tasked with enforcing the law will improve functionality and help ensure that our efforts deliver the desired result of improving public safety and the quality of life of all our neighbors,” said Sylvester.
The Village of Ossining has been at the forefront in supporting Green Light legislation. The Ossining Village Board passed a resolution in 2016 urging New York State government to support driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, and Ossining Village Mayor Victoria Gearity supports the legislation.
“We are often frustrated that there is little we can do to influence federal immigration policies coming from the White House,” she said. “I am pleased to be part of the group of municipal leaders advocating for this tangible improvement to the economic stability of our undocumented residents, and safer roadways for everyone.”
A recent forum on Green Light NY was hosted by State Sen. Shelley Mayer at the White Plains Library. In addition to Mayer, Green Light NY is supported by the other five state senators and a senator-elect from Westchester: Andrea Stewart-Cousins, David Carlucci, Jamaal Bailey, Alessandra Biaggi and Peter Harckham.
“All New Yorkers are safer when all drivers have licenses, which require them to be informed of traffic laws and pass a driving test, and which enables them to register, inspect and insure their vehicles,” read one of the handouts at the forum. “New York should restore equal access to driver’s licenses by passing legislation that would enable all New Yorkers to obtain driver’s licenses, regardless of immigration status.”
According to Fiscal Policy Institute, state and county governments would receive an estimated $57 million in combined annual revenue and $26 million in one-time revenue, based on the 265,000 new licenses that are estimated to be issued if Green Light NY passes. Insurance premiums for all New Yorkers would be reduced by $17 per year.
Green Light NY is also supported by Westchester Assembly members Sandy Galef, Amy Paulin, Steve Otis, David Buchwald, Gary Pretlow and Tom Abinanti.
Green Light NY legislation is expected to be submitted in 2019.
