Syracuse-area state lawmakers are calling on Gov. Cuomo to sign legislation they passed months ago that would end the suspension of driver’s licenses over unpaid traffic fines and fees. Assemblymember Pam Hunter, Senator Rachel May and others say license suspensions put another unnecessary strain on families during a pandemic.
May says its counterproductive.
“The idea that you could lose your right to drive a car because you couldn’t pay a fine and then maybe couldn’t get to you job so you couldn’t make the money to pay the fines is just a ridiculous, vicious circle.”
Assemblymember Pam Hunter says many residents don’t have alternate transportation options if they lose their license, and that the situation is worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have a situation where people could be helped today, where there is something else looming over their head, which is this outstanding fines and fees during this COVID situation, where this is something that could impact someone’s life in a positive way.”
Senator Tim Kennedy of Buffalo is also part of the statewide push to get the bill signed. He says it doesn’t apply to serious traffic crimes like DWI, and doesn’t seek to absolve motorists of their responsibility to pay.
“There are also stipulations in place in this legislation that allows for, if someone totally ignores paying that fee, garnishing their wages, holding them in contempt of court, the whole nine yards. This is not giving anybody a free pass.”
Rather, he says it’s intended to allow struggling motorists a chance to set up a payment plan and avoid a license suspension. Kennedy adds that it’s also a chance to ensure equal justice for minority and low-income communities that are unfairly targeted by police.
“We have not just a social injustice but we have a civil right issue on our hands here. We have an opportunity to rectify this social injustice and civil rights issue.”
Kennedy says Gov. Cuomo should make the legislation a priority if he prides New York on being a progressive state.