Positive attributes of ‘Green Light’ law
The Saratoga Race Course recently closed the books on another successful meet, drawing more than one million fans to the historic track for the fifth straight year and setting an all-source record handle of more than $705 million despite losing a full weekend day of racing due to excessive heat.
These milestones would not have been set had it not been for the hours logged by a long list of people – including the hundreds of backstretch workers represented by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), who usually receive neither glory nor public recognition.
The New York’s Driver’s License and Privacy Act gained support from a historically diverse coalition of stakeholders – including the NYTHA – before it was passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor in June.
The new measure, more commonly known as the “Green Light” law, will enable an estimated 265,000 undocumented New Yorkers to apply for driver’s licenses within three years of its implementation – a smart, pro-business move that will improve the state’s economy and make its roads safer for everyone.
NYTHA has historically supported smart economic policies in New York because when our state’s finances are stronger, everyone wins – including the millions of visitors who enjoy horse racing statewide annually and the workers who rely on the nearly 20,000 jobs created by this $3.3 billion-a-year industry.
To be clear, the backstretch workers employed by the owners and trainers who are the core of New York’s successful thoroughbred racing industry are in the U.S. legally. They are either full-fledged citizens, Green Card holders or here on valid visas.
But NYTHA believes it’s important for the state to demonstrate it is willing to take action to address policy obstacles that the federal government has put in place, making it difficult for people to work and for businesses to grow.
The Green Light law does just that. The problem is that it faces a lastditch court challenge by opponents who want to prevent it from taking effect as scheduled this coming December. These opponents claim the law will make New Yorkers less safe. But, according to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation, unlicensed drivers are five times more likely to be in a fatal car crash. Providing licenses to thousands of undocumented individuals will not only make New York safer, but it will also save lives.
This has been proven in states that already provide driver’s licenses to those who are undocumented, like New Mexico. In 2003, New Mexico extended licenses to undocumented residents and over the next eight years saw a 35.5 percent decrease in car fatalities.
Also, by providing access to driver’s licenses, it’s likely all New Yorkers will see a decrease in insurance premiums. And, the Fiscal Policy Institute estimates the state will see an additional $57 million in revenue that can be used for much-needed infrastructure improvements and other public safety initiatives.
Undocumented individuals will have to go through all the same steps as any New Yorker seeking to obtain a driver’s license for the first time, including passing both a written test and a road test. If successful, they will be able to have their vehicles properly registered and insured, making the roads safer for everyone.
Obtaining a standard driver’s license does not give any undocumented New Yorker the right to vote, and licenses issued under this law will clearly state that they are “not for federal purposes.”
Twelve other states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have enacted similar measures, in addition to Oregon who became the 14th state to pass such legislation after New York, and State Attorney General Letitia James has repeatedly noted that these similar laws have withstood challenges in other states, and pledges to vigorously defend the new law here.
NYTHA continues to be strong supporters of the Green Light law and we hope that Gov. Cuomo’s administration will move forward with steps to make sure it is fully implemented by the end of this year.