Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Republican lawmakers in New York are demanding for the Green Light Law to be repealed. However, with the incoming Trump Administration, could the federal government step in?
Senator Rob Ortt says the law, which allows undocumented migrants to get drivers licenses, can't be revoked by the federal government. But pressure could be applied, like Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's Red Light Act. If passed, it would block federal highway funding for any state that has Green Light Laws.
"When it comes to federal funding, Congresswoman Tenney has a bill that would enshrine that in law. But no doubt the federal government could operate from perspective, just as I've encouraged the state of New York to stop sending the level of funding to New York City until they change their sanctuary city laws," stated Ortt. "I think you have to use the power of the purse, because that to me, in my time in government, that works the best. That works the fastest."
The Green Light Law has gained attention from the incoming administration, as Trump's new Border Czar, Tom Homan, has already spoken out against it.
With the potential loss of federal funding, where does this leave New York State, and what should be expected?
"Something's going to have to give. I expect this will not be the last conversation that we hear or have about it. This law specifically has been a problem. Before Tom Homan mentioned it, but certainly since he's talked about it, I thought it was worthwhile, and I know my colleagues did, and then Albany, we're going to talk about it. But this law is on the radar of the national government, of the federal administration, of the President Trump administration, and that puts New York right in the crosshairs on this one out of the gate, as it should," stated Ortt.
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