County Clerk: New license plates and fees a "money generator"
Story Created:
Apr 19, 2010 at 4:00 PM EST
Story Updated:
Apr 20, 2010 at 8:51 AM EST
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The new, New York license plates are now available, with the old, blue and white plates being replaced by blue and gold plates.
Of course, like many things in New York State, the new plates come with a higher price tag.
The new plates are part of Governor Paterson's proposal to make money and combat the state's multi-billion dollar budget deficit.
The license plate fee is double what it used to be. It will now cost $20 to keep your old license plate number and $25 to get a new one.
Oneida County Clerk Sandy DePerno said she and a lot of other people don't think raising rates is the way to go.
"I think it is just a money generator," DePerno said. "I don't think it is worth it. It's just that the state is broke and looking to make money off the taxpayers."
In addition to license plates, the state has also raised fees on drivers licenses.
Republican Anthony J. Falchi, the man who is running against DePerno for the position of Oneida County Clerk, said he thinks the license plate renewal fees are a bad idea and are "taxing our already overtaxed citizens."
“We should instead be looking at ways to reduce government spending and not trying to once again place additional costs on taxpayers as a way to bailout Albany," Falchi said. "The Governor is taking advantage of the taxpayers of New York. When will Albany finally admit that mandated user fees are just another tax in disguise? We cannot continue to place additional burdens on those who can least afford it. New York must learn to live within its means just like every working family does and stop treating our taxpayers like they have the proverbial money tree.”
The state will continue to pass out old license plates until they run out. Oneida County said they have at least one month's supply of blue and white plates left.
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