With the Assembly preparing to convene a special session, Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) and the Assembly Minority Conference called on Assembly Majority members to let the public know where they stand on the issue of a safer, more secure New York, by opposing Governor Spitzer's plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal aliens.

"Governor Spitzer's unlawful proposal to give driver's licenses to illegal aliens has touched off a firestorm of controversy, outrage and disbelief from New Yorkers concerned that his plan would make us less safe and less secure. New Yorkers have a right to know where each of the 150 Members of this body stands on this critical issue," Tedisco stated.

"That's why our Conference is going to force a vote so all New Yorkers will know where their Assembly representative stands on this issue. We will also call for passage of legislative initiatives during tomorrow's special session to halt Governor Spitzer's plan from going forward," Tedisco said.

Tedisco said the initiatives, offered in the form of amendments to legislation brought to the floor by the Assembly Majority, include the following:

• "The County Clerks Protection Act": a measure that defends and indemnifies County Clerks who refuse to break the law - and their oath of office - by implementing Governor Spitzer's unlawful plan. The initiative shields County taxpayers from incurring the costs associated with a frivolous lawsuit brought by Governor Spitzer and also prevents him from removing a County Clerk; and

• Blocking Governor Spitzer's Plan: a measure requiring that all applicants for a driver's license submit proof of fitness, age, photos, proof of identity, social security number or proof of ineligibility to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Opposition to Governor Spitzer's unlawful plan continues to grow. In fact, the Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari was recently quoted saying he was "conflicted" on the Governor's plan.

"On behalf of the nearly five million New Yorkers our Conference proudly represents, we will do everything in our power to stop Governor Spitzer from handing out driver's licenses to illegal aliens like Halloween candy. Governor Spitzer has until October 31 to rescind his unlawful proposal, or we'll see him in court," Tedisco concluded.