WXXI Local Stories
No Letup in GOP Opposition to Spitzer License Plan
Bud Lowell

ROCHESTER, NY (2007-10-30) Governor Spitzer's plan to create three types of New York drivers' licenses -- including one available to illegal immigrants -- hasn't stemmed criticism from Republicans in the State Assembly.

Spitzer agreed to adopt Bush administration goals on tighter identification and security, but he stuck to his plan allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses.

The Assembly Republicans brought their series of hearings against the governor's plan to Rochester Tuesday morning.

State Assembly Republican Leader Jim Tedisco said those who oppose the governor aren't anti-immigrant -- they're pro-law.

Tedisco says the Republican Conference will file suit against Governor Spitzer and the State Department of Motor Vehicles this week. He says their plan goes against a New York State law adopted in 1995 that requires people to present a valid social security number to get a drivers' license.

The Republican Assembly members heard from two sheriffs and eight county clerks from around Rochester who oppose the governor's plan.

Monroe County Clerk Cheryl DiNolfo said the governor and the DMV are asking her to violate state law by issuing licenses to people without a social security number, and she won't do it.

The Republicans say there's no requirement in the governor's plan for people to supply a verifiable address to get a license. And they say illegal immigrants who get a license could register to vote or apply for benefits they're not entitled to.

Tedisco says the governor is right to put his policy in line with Homeland Security's ID requirements -- but not to keep pushing a lower-security license that illegals could apply for.

Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn says the State Sheriff's Association met on Monday in Syracuse and is asking Governor Spitzer to back off. O'Flynn says the Association wants the governor to set up a task force to work out a revised license policy.

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