November 16, 2009

 

     New York Governor David Paterson is looking to close the state budget gap by requiring all New Yorkers get new license plates.
     Thousands of people are petitioning against it online and it seems Paterson is getting the message.
     "We pay enough taxes, (if you're) retired, you can't afford it. When you are on a limited income, what are these people supposed to do," said Susan Edger of Erin.
     Edgar, like so many others, can't afford a lot of extra things these days.
     The proposed new license plates are $25 dollars each and are expected to generate $129 million dollars to help close the New York budget gap.
     This would be the second time in less than a decade New Yorkers are forced to change their license plates. Critics of the proposal say the current plates are fine and there are other ways to close a budget gap.
     "Don't take raises, take paycuts like everyone else has to take, that would save some money," said Andy Gessick of Horseheads.
     More than 100,000 people are now petitioning the plates in Albany.
     There are even more angry people in the Southern Tier where cars are a necessity, moreso than downstate.
     "I think it sucks; you paid once, now they're going to charge you and raise the price and charge you again. We got new tags, you gotta have more new tags," said David Smith of Spencer.
     Governor David Paterson says he will compromise the new plates if the legislature can come up with other revenue sources.   
     The legislature is in Albany for a special session now to come up with ideas to repeal the measure approved in April.
     Petitioners from around the state are adding their names to a website  to oppose the plates.