Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I – Merrick) applauded the elimination of the state mandate that would force New York motorists to pay a $25 fee for a new license plate when they renew their vehicle registration effective April 1, 2010. Included in the Fiscal Year 2009-10 budget, this fee was strongly opposed by Assemblyman McDonough as well as county clerks and thousands of motorists across New York.

“It is great to see the powerful voice of the grassroots resonating in Albany,” said Assemblyman McDonough. “I voted against the budget which included this ridiculous plan and I continued to call for the elimination of this costly license plate mandate because New Yorkers have less and less disposable income as a result of the worsening economy. As is often the case, it took the power of the people saying that enough was enough for the governor to finally realize the error of his ways. I am proud to have been a part of this victory, but the credit goes to the unified efforts of county clerks and motorists across our state who cared enough to become involved in the legislative process and demand their voices be heard.”