Statement on Spitzer Administration's Illegal Alien Driver's License Plan

"Over the weekend the Spitzer administration presented a new three-tiered driver's license plan that still includes the dangerous and ill-advised policy of granting illegal aliens a driver's license in New York State. Despite overwhelming opposition from New Yorkers, the Spitzer administration is continuing to endorse a policy that leads to more questions than answers.

"Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff made it crystal clear in his statements that the department does not support giving licenses to illegal aliens. Still, the Spitzer administration remains focused on granting illegal aliens a New York state driver's license as a part of their three-tiered driver's license policy.

"I remain steadfast in my opposition to the Spitzer administration's illegal alien driver's license policy and will continue to work on enacting my legislation that mandates applicants for driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States under federal law. This legislation has already received bipartisan approval in the state Senate.

"I once again call upon Speaker Silver and the State Assembly to listen to the voices of millions of New Yorkers concerned about their safety and well-being and immediately pass my legislation overturning the Spitzer administration's illegal alien driver's license policy."

Amid the rain Saturday, Oct. 27, Senator Padavan led concerned citizens and community activists in a protest outside the main campus at St. John's University in opposition to the university's plan for an off-campus dorm on Henley Road in Jamaica Estates.

Senator Padavan has been leading the fight against St. John's plan to place an off-campus dormitory in the middle of a residential neighborhood. On numerous occasions, Senator Padavan has called upon St. John's University President Father Harrington to listen to the outcry from the community and stop the building of the dorm.

Senator Frank Padavan hosted a Senior Health and Info Expo Thursday, Oct. 25, at the North Flushing Senior Center at College Point and on Friday, Oct. 26, at the Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP) in Queens Village. The expos provided free health testings, including vision, dental and blood pressure screenings. Seniors were also able to access free information on Medicare Part D, EPIC, elder law and much more.