Senator Fred Akshar Releases Survey Results on Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants and Tuition Assistance for Gold Star Families

Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his latest online surveys asking constituents to weigh in on issues relating to driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants and a proposal to provide free tuition for dependents of military members killed while serving their country, also known as Gold Star families.

The survey, posted on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov drew thousands of responses from residents in the 52nd Senate District and surrounding areas.

Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants (S.1747)

On legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, the results from 2,403 responses showed:

• 84% of residents who responded opposed allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses;
• 13% support allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses; and
• 3% were undecided.

The state legislature has yet to act on the measure.
 

“The overwhelming majority of residents from the 52nd Senate District who responded to our latest Community Voice Survey are opposed to allowing undocumented or illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licenses,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “I feel the same way, because I believe it sends the wrong message to law-abiding individuals and their families who did things the right way and immigrated to our country legally.”

Tuition Assistance for Gold Star Families (S.5187)

The survey results on legislation to provide free college tuition for children of members of our military who lost
their lives in the line of duty, also known as Gold Star Families, showed:

• 87% of residents who responded supported providing free college tuition assistance to Gold Star Families
• 8% opposed the measure; and
• 5% were undecided

Last month, after the Assembly Democrats blocked a bill in the Higher Education Committee that would have changed a state scholarship program for Gold Star families, Governor Cuomo announced that through executive order, New York would soon be providing free SUNY tuition or its equivalent available if the service member is killed or disabled anywhere in the U.S. or overseas while performing official duties.
 

“The Governor's announcement to provide free college tuition for Gold Star families was a true victory for our Veterans, their families, and for all who believe that providing educational opportunities for the children of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is the least we can do for their families,” said Akshar. “If the response from community members is any indication, they also firmly believe in giving back to the families of those who gave their lives to keep us safe.”
 

Akshar plans on releasing a new survey question later this month on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.
 

“No matter my personal views on any issue, it's important for me to continually allow the people of the 52nd Senate District to weigh in, be heard and share the results,” Akshar said. “It's about continuing to be open and accountable to the people.”

Full Survey Results

Question: Do you support or oppose S.1747, which would allow undocumented or illegal immigrants to obtain New York State drivers licenses?

• 52nd Senate District (2,330 Responses)
  • 13% - Support
  • 84% - Oppose
  • 3% - Don't Know
• Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (73 Responses)
  • 11% - Support
  • 89% - Oppose
  • 0% - Don't Know

Question: Do you support or oppose S.5187, which would provide free college tuition to children of members of our military who lost their lives in the line of duty, also known as Gold Star Families?

• 52nd Senate District (2,330 Responses)
  • 87% - Support
  • 8% - Oppose
  • 5% - Don't Know
• Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (73 Responses)
  • 92% - Support
  • 7% - Oppose
  • 1% - Don't Know