Governors: Drivers License Costs to Soar

[AnnInLa]

Governors: Drivers License Costs to Soar
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Jul 18, 2:34 AM (ET)

By ROBERT TANNER




DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - In the name of homeland security, motorists are going to see costs skyrocket for driver's licenses and motor vehicle offices forced to operate like local branches of the FBI, the nation's governors warn.

The new federal law squeezed this spring into an $82 billion spending bill had Republican and Democrat governors fuming at their summer meeting here, and vowing to bring their complaints to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at a Monday meeting.

"It's outrageous to pass this off on the states," said Republican Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, incoming chairman of the National Governors Association. "You're essentially asking the front-line clerks at the DMV to become an INS agent and a law enforcement agent."

The law that passed in June goes beyond an earlier law that sought to standardize state driver's licenses, requiring that states verify license applicants are American citizens or legal residents.

"This is going to drive the cost of driver's licenses for ordinary folks through the roof," said Democrat Tom Vilsack of Iowa. "I think it's going to drive people crazy."

more at http://apnews.myway.com//article/20050718/D8BDKQPG0.html

[blueknight]

1. effective july 1 this year,

ours in ky went from $8 to $20

[thinkingwoman]

2. watch the states

refuse to implement these new regulations in record numbers.

States are already refusing to deal with no child left behind bs and they will drop this even faster. Many states simply lack the funds to implement this.

This trial balloon idea of passing on costs to consumers won't fly. There is a breaking point with the general public and we're almost there.

[ClintonTyree]

4. Hey, but bush lowered their taxes............

my brother keeps bringing up this putrid point every time I rail against bush in his presence. The fact that he's paying more in State and local taxes, along with the increase in all of these "fees" seems to escape him. :eyes: I guess Republicans are born with tunnel vision, it's the only explanation I can come up with. :shrug:

[thinkingwoman]

8. his base is outnumbered

and his base is the extent of his believers now.

The fact that the "librul" media isn't reporting on how the majority of America feels doesn't mean it isn't true.

Watch.

[AnnInLa]

3. Actually, I always thought the cost was rather low

at least here in La. And, our license plates (we only need one) cost is low too.

[MichiganVote]

5. $60.00 for a CDL in Michigan

[Atman]

6. Aw...you can't VOTE without a driver's license

So, those poor (read: DEMOCRAT) constituents won't be able to afford a driver's license (and I'm assuming a state-issued non-driver ID would be similarly affected). Surprise surprise. They should re-name the bill The GOP Majority Security Act.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

7. In NY, they are placing high state surcharges on auto violations.

I forgot to get my car inspected and the ticket was $50 + $30 surcharge. Ouch.