Sen. Foley Calls on Gov. Paterson to Eliminate License Plate Fee

Sen. Brian X. Foley was joined by members of the Long Island/Upstate Caucus of the Senate Majority in calling for Gov. Paterson to eliminate the license plate re-issuance fee.

Below is the letter sent to Gov. Paterson by Sen. Foley and the rest of the Long Island/Upstate Senate Majority Caucus:

Dear Governor Paterson:

We are writing to respectfully request that the present license plate re-issuance proposal be taken off the table during these current budget deficit reduction negotiations.

We believe this particular fee increase would place an especially difficult financial burden on New York State residents and businesses already struggling under a high tax burden, uncertain job market and weak economy.

While we work to address the State’s multi-billion dollar budget deficit, we feel it is imperative to make up the $129 million this plan would generate by cutting spending in other areas.  Considering  the State imposed a license plate exchange approximately eight years ago in 2001, with the replacement of the liberty plates at a cost of $5.50, and the replacement of plates that were in circulation for more than 15 years, we believe the state’s motorists have already shouldered this burden and should not be asked to make this sacrifice again within so short a time span.  Millions of New Yorkers depend on their cars and trucks for transportation and for their livelihoods.  We must do everything possible to help protect their family budgets.

In  regard  to  the argument that the replacement of drivers’ license plates  is  necessary for safety reasons having to do with the reflectivity and  wear  and tear on many of the plates issued since 2001, we have spoken with  numerous  law  enforcement  officials who strongly disagree with this claim.   Therefore,  since  safety  is  not the prevailing issue, we cannot claim  it  as  a  justification for making the state’s drivers purchase new license plates.

We also ask that consideration be given to the fact that the proposed license plate exchange may cause serious complications among our drivers whose plates are tied to parking permits, E-Z Passes, and other transportation related activities.  For example, drivers who choose not to pay an additional $20.00 fee to keep the same number may be subject to fines and other charges due to E-Z Pass or a parking permit not recognizing the new license plate.

For these reasons, we respectfully request your consideration to pull the license plate re-issuance proposal from the deficit reduction negotiations.

Sincerely,

BRIAN X. FOLEY

WILLIAM T. STACHOWSKI                                  

DAVID J. VALESKY

DARRELL J. AUBERTINE

CRAIG  M. JOHNSON                                              

NEIL D. BRESLIN

ANTOINE THOMPSON                                                

SHIRLEY L. HUNTLEY

DIANE J.SAVINO                                                

JEFFREY D. KLEIN

JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR.