Below is a letter I sent to Governor David Paterson in August outlining the inequitable burden new DMV fees have on Erie County drivers compared with drivers in other communities across New York State. Beginning in April 2010, anyone renewing their registration will also be required to purchase new license plates. If you would like to add your voice to the effort to remove this new plate requirement, please submit your information to our on-line petition below the letter.

August 3, 2009

The Honorable David Paterson
Governor, State of New York
Executive Chamber
Albany, New York 12247

Dear Governor Paterson:

As the largest border County in New York State, Erie County residents are disproportionately impacted by increases in motor vehicle related fees. In addition to paying the newly imposed 25% fee increase for motor vehicle registrations and driver's licenses, and in April, $25 to receive new plates, our residents have to pay additional sums to acquire requisite documentation for border crossing.

A postponement for the plate re-issuance scheduled for next April would at least give New Yorkers hope that the constant onslaught of new fees is ending. I urge your consideration of this proposal to give our taxpayers a much needed break.

Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Hochul
Erie County Clerk

We, the undersigned, urge the Governor to remove the requirement of a license plate re-issue from the 2010-2011 budgets.

• Download Printable Petition