SPITZER FOE: FORGET LICENSES FOR ALIENS
By KENNETH LOVETT, Post Correspondent


September 29, 2007 -- ALBANY - Top state legislative Republicans yesterday vowed to block Gov. Spitzer's move to let illegal aliens obtain drivers' licenses, setting up yet another potential battle between the Democratic governor and Senate leader Joe Bruno.
Spitzer announced last week that beginning in December the state will no longer require people to provide Social Security numbers or letters showing they are not eligible for such numbers when they go for a license.

"The governor's driver's-license plan jeopardizes the safety and security of all New Yorkers and must be stopped," Bruno said, vowing that the Senate will act on legislation next month to keep illegal aliens from obtaining state driver's licenses by requiring a Social Security number or proof of legal residence.

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He called on the Democrat-controlled Assembly to follow suit.

And Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Tedisco, saying the Spitzer policy could put licenses in the hands of terrorists, threatened that unless the governor changes course by Oct. 31, he'll sue him for implementing the change without legislative approval.

Calling the plan a "clear and present danger," Tedisco said Spitzer's unilateral attempt violates a 1995 law requiring that anyone applying for a driver's license provide a Social Security number.

"It should be no surprise that the governor chooses to ignore state law, subvert the Legislature, and dictate policy," said Tedisco, who was on the receiving end of a call earlier this year in which Spitzer described himself as a steamroller and threatened to roll over the Legislature.

Meanwhile, on the presidential stump, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani also criticized the plan. Giuliani, who favors a federal identification card, called the governor's move "a mistake."

"The reality is there's so much traffic in false documents," the Republican ex-mayor said to reporters in Los Angeles. "[The Spitzer plan] would also create even more confusion about who's here, why they're here, whether they can pay taxes."

Spitzer spokeswoman Christine Anderson said the administration has the legal right to make the policy change without legislative approval.

"Those who are suggesting lawsuits or legislation fundamentally misunderstand the law in this area," Anderson said.

She said state law grants the DMV commissioner broad discretionary powers to determine which documents are required to prove a license applicant's identity and Social Security eligibility.

Anderson said the state's highest court upheld the DMV commissioner's authority to administratively change the requirements.

Spitzer's plan, which has been broadly criticized in recent days, won the support of some labor unions yesterday.

"Allowing immigrants the opportunity to obtain driver's licenses in a responsible and secure manner will enable them to earn a living, while improving security and enhancing road safety," said George Gresham, president of the powerful health-care union, Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union.

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