This week in Albany, Assemblyman Steve Hawley has been busy lobbying the governor and other lawmakers to rescind a plan requiring all residents to get new vehicle license plates next spring.
Opponents of the DMV plan, like Hawley, say it's a blatant money-grab by a budget-challenged state at taxpayers' expense. Firstly, they argue, we do not need new license plates. Secondly, this plan is, basically, a tax, something New York has plenty of already.
In a press release, Hawley said "In rural areas, like in Western New York, it is a necessity to drive: to buy food, to get to work. This license plate plan is just another tax on residents in communities like ours. This plan does not impact New York City residents, it affects us."
He asked that it be repealed immediately as a "sign of good faith" that those in Albany are listening to the residents of Western New York and other upstate regions.
"It is not enough for the Governor and legislative leaders to 'rein in spending' by making last minute budget cuts," according to Hawley. "They must cut the excessive burden they have placed on the backs of taxpayers..."
Hear Hear!! Don't forget to
Hear Hear!! Don't forget to tell them how ugly they are too! :o)
Dear NYS Government, Please
Dear NYS Government,
Please attempt to be a little sneakier next time. This money grab is so obvious that I'm almost convinced you guys don't have your hearts in it anymore.
Sincerely,
Chris Charvella
P.S. Kim is right, those are the ugliest damn things I've ever seen.
"In a press release, Hawley
"In a press release, Hawley said "In rural areas, like in Western New York, it is a necessity to drive: to buy food, to get to work. This license plate plan is just another tax on residents in communities like ours. This plan does not impact New York City residents, it affects us."
I pointed this out several months ago, and was chastised for being divisive. Thanks for affirming what I already knew Steve
There ugly for a reason..so
There ugly for a reason..so in a couple of years they can sell us new ones......
They look like the old ugly
They look like the old ugly yellow ones that the current white ones replaced.
I don't remember all this
I don't remember all this hoopla when we changed from the Statue of Liberty plates to the current blue and white ones we have now(Oh yeah,Pataki was in there for that).I'm really surprised that they haven't made us get new plates every six years.All I know is that some of the plates we have on our semi trailers where I work are disintegrating from all the salt this state uses in wintertime.I'm more concerned on how much our school and property taxes will go up when the Governor tries to get these ass clowns to make cuts.The past 2 governors started this mess we're in now.
Mr. Hawley, Please ,
Mr. Hawley,
Please , please do everything you can to stop this ridiculous unfair raise of funds from our NYS Governor. This is not the time to add something else to empty our pockets on just to help save NYS before the governor leaves his term.
Bob, Your lack of memory is
Bob,
Your lack of memory is ok, but people were very upset over the plate change under Pataki also. But there was no Batavian either.
Well, This is no suprise,with
Well, This is no suprise,with the announcement of the budget shortfall the state will be charging us for the air we breathe soon. Let's all start conditioning ourselves to hold our breath.
Ugly plates? Go for them.
Ugly plates?
Go for them. Don't let the look of the plate deter you from placing them on your vehicle.
Think for a minute. Most likely, the ugly plate is designed to have you pay more for a vanity plate..your favorite sport; team; hobby; your name, etc.
Don't do it. Those vanity plates cost more and they are relying on you HATING the ugly plates and spending the extra for a plate with which you can live.
If we need new plates, then proudly go for the ugly plate in protest. Consider it a retro piece. Consider it a way of telling NYS that you won't pay more for a plate that you can't see when you are driving. Give each driver you see sporting the ugly plate a thumbs up.
Bea, you best be
Bea, you best be careful...Gov Magoo doesn't take kindly to people who question his blatant tax and spend reign. He is counting on exactly 24.84% of NY'ers to get vanity plates, otherwise we will run out of money in 4 weeks. LMAO
I still like the Statue of
I still like the Statue of Liberty ones-sure,the police want the new plates-so it's easier for them to scan your plates each time you pass......the state should give us all coupons for a couple tubes of K-Y jelly for the next year.....
Bob, Where did you verify
Bob,
Where did you verify your claim that the police want new plates?
I just wonder if
I just wonder if hypocrit-Hawley is co-operating with Paterson's call to cut spending. Or it this a smoke screen to divert attention from his dissent in trimming, though, exploiting the revenue grab... And the plates are not ugly- they look like the plates issued many years ago with our state colors. ...Sure beats looking at some loser-sports-team emblem.
I am NOT HAPPY - if I have a
I am NOT HAPPY - if I have a deficit in my home budget I have to make changes - most likely by cutting things out. While I realize there is a need for our elected officials to fill a gap... but it will cost every a hell of a lot more than $10! Think about it. There will be a HUGE effect on our economy that is already in dire straights! If the trucking companies have to put new plates on every thing they own - how do you think they will pay for that? By raising prices. Similar to the "fuel fee," they will pass this expense on to the consumer. If Wegman's has to pay for new plates - how do you think they will fund that? So it will cost the average vehicle owner MUCH more than $10 per vehicle. Reality is we will be paying dearly for our new plates that aren't needed.
And I haven't even begun to rant about the waste! Why destroy plates that are legible and still able to serve their purpose? I can only HOPE that they will recycle the plates - but does that get done for free? NO!
I am not happy!
The bottom line: you either
The bottom line: you either have to cut expenses or raise revenue. Paterson has proposed both. Neither solution has flown. It is alot easier to complain than to solve the problem.
From the DMV press release:
From the DMV press release: ""This project will benefit law enforcement efforts, and therefore enhance public safety, in several ways," said Denise E. O'Donnell, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety and Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. "For instance, nearly 300 police agencies in New York State are currently deploying approximately 500 computerized license plate readers (LPRs) that enable authorities to quickly identify vehicles that have been stolen or used in a crime. These new plates will ensure that the LPRs are as effective as possible."
Really?
Not only to identify vehicles used in a crime or stolen, but easier to hassle the innocent.
Just my opinion.
Yep-thanks Stacey for posting
Yep-thanks Stacey for posting that.Stolen,in a crime,if your insurance lapsed,etc,etc.....I love how they sit in the middle(turning) lane and just sit there with the LPR's focused on both lanes of traffic-I have seen this in Erie and Monroe county,not Genesee yet.
When did NYS ever have a nice
When did NYS ever have a nice looking plate?
I thought the Democrats
I thought the Democrats wanted to go "green" to save the environment?
Then why are we throwing away perfectly good license plates? It takes money, resources and energy to make all these new plates. Even if you recycle the existing plates - this is not environmentally friendly is it?
Maybe the politicians in Albany can speak them into existence. Talking seems to be what they do best!