Statement On The Passage Of Green Light NY, Implementing Access To Drivers Licenses For All

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 17, 2019

In response to the passage of the Green Light NY bill by the New York State Legislature, Empire State Indivisible had this to say:

The election of Donald Trump and his subsequent attacks on our most marginalized communities awakened a new wave of activism, driven by the promise of a New York State Legislature that would protect and defend all New Yorkers. Today, the New York State Senate joined the New York State Assembly in fulfilling part of that promise by passing Green Light NY, implementing access to drivers licenses for all.

We applaud Leader Stewart-Cousins, lead sponsor Luis Sepúlveda and the majority of the Democratic Conference for engaging, listening and educating constituents across the state on the merits of the bill. And we are humbled by the efforts of the organizers that have fought for this bill for over a decade. Granting access to drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants provides valuable revenue, makes our roads safer and strengthens our communities across the state.

Despite the continued false attacks and misguided threats by the same forces that drove Trump’s victory in 2016, the New York State Legislature stepped up and did the right thing. We urge the Governor to promptly sign the bill and join us in applauding his colleagues for this important implementation of rights for New York’s immigrant community.

###

Empire State Indivisible is part of the national Indivisible movement and the True Blue NY Grassroots Coalition. We are committed to defend New York against the Trump administration and those who enable its policies.

Follow us on Twitter @es_indivisible