Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Compliments Governor Spitzer on New Driver’s License Policy

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Thursday, Oct 4, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Compliments Governor Spitzer on New Driver’s License Policy

New Policy Saves Money and Protects Workers

(Rochester) – This past week, Governor Eliot Spitzer announced that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now permit all New Yorkers to apply for Driver’s Licenses. By increasing the pool of eligible applicants, immigrant workers currently unregistered to operate a motor vehicle in New York State, will be granted the opportunity to come out of the shadows which is better for all our security.

Currently, the DMV estimates there are tens of thousands of undocumented, uninsured and unlicensed drivers in New York State. The Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO agrees that this change of policy will help decrease car insurance rates, while providing additional anti-fraud measures to the current system.

This change in policy comes at a critical time. Immigrants often come under attack for demanding decent wages, health benefits and better working conditions. The change in this policy is step in the right direction, both by adding protections, and adding a way for immigrants to participate in everyday life without fear.

We commend the Governor on this change.

For further information, please contact Aron Reina at (585)-263-2650.