Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) is joining fellow colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference to introduce the “County Clerks Protection Act.” This legislation is designed to protect law-abiding county clerks from potential lawsuits by Governor Spitzer if they do not comply with his plan to give illegal aliens driver’s licenses.
“The governor’s plan to hand out driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and potential terrorists is a threat to our state and national security, and compromises the integrity of the state’s licensure system,” said Reilich. “A majority of the state’s county clerks have recognized the recklessness and irresponsibility of the governor’s plan and recently voted 29-4 to reject the governor’s proposal.”
Governor Spitzer is threatening to sue county clerks who do not implement his policy. However, the county clerks have a sound legal basis for not implementing the governor’s plan. State Vehicle and Traffic Law, under Section 502, subsection 1, requires a Social Security number be provided to obtain a NY state driver’s license. The county clerks also have the support of the majority of New Yorkers who are not in favor of the governor’s plan.
“The governor is showing an utter disregard for the laws of this state and the will of the people,” remarked Reilich. “His policy proposal was one drafted in secrecy and without the consent of the Legislature. It is unconscionable to me that this governor thinks he can rule by decree and bully the law-abiding county clerks of this state. The legislation that my colleagues and I proposed today will hopefully provide another layer of protection from the dictatorial actions of this governor.”
“I call on the governor to do the right thing for the people of this state and rescind his disastrous policy proposal or face legal action by the Assembly Minority Conference,” concluded Reilich. “We will not stand by idly and watch the governor weaken the security of this nation.”