The state’s chief business lobby on Wednesday endorsed a bill that would extend access to driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants living in New York.
The endorsement from Business Council President Heather Briccetti underscores an argument lawmakers in support of the legislation have sought to make in recent weeks: The measure would boost economic development by enabling undocumented people the ability to drive cars with insurance and get to work.
“My employers, my members, I hear from everyday,” Briccetti said at a Capitol press conference. “There are workforce shortages in every industry, not just agriculture. One component of that problem is very, very clunky and unworkable immigration laws at the federal level. We hope this will send a message and make our roadways safer as a result.”
The measure’s chances in the state Senate remain up in the air, however, amid concerns from suburban and upstate lawmakers.
“If we took it to a vote, I’m pretty confident we could pass the bill,” said Sen. Luis Sepvulveda, a Bronx Democrat who is the primary sponsor of the bill. “But we’re still trying to address concerns that other members, say on Long Island, who have concerns.”
The issue remains a politically tricky one of New York officials a decade after it was first proposed by then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer. In a recent op/ed, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, an opponent of the proposal, explained why she changed her mind on the measure.
“This is nothing more than the Albany establishment at its finest,” said Republican Sen. Robert Ortt. “It is clear that the constituents I represent and the law enforcement of this state do not support this policy.”
But vote counting for the Senate remains murky, where 32 votes are needed.
“We’re trying to make this as much of a slam dunk as possible,” Sepvulveda said. “In order to do that, we have to deal with some of the outlining concerns the outlying districts have.”
In the Democratic-led Assembly, majority lawmakers there say they have the votes for the bill, but are yet to hold vote as they seek to allow a public campaign on the issue unfold.
“It’s not a lot of times the Business Council is on the same page as the Assembly,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said. “But when you look at it from the economic development standpoint, the safety standpoint, and the ability for people to get to work, it’s all the elements for people to do driver’s licenses.”