ALBANY, NY – On behalf of the New York Smart Growth Coalition, spokesperson Will Brunelle released the following statement today, applauding the State Senate for passing the “Green Light NY” bill and supporting economic opportunity for hundreds of thousands of immigrant families:

“The passage of this legislation is a tremendous victory for every New Yorker, and we are exceptionally grateful to Senator Luis Sepulveda for sponsoring the bill and to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for ensuring it was put to a vote before the end of session. By reinstating the opportunity for every New Yorker to undergo driver’s education, pass a road test and earn a license, we will open doors to an unprecedented level of economic mobility and opportunity for as many as 265,000 undocumented New Yorkers. We are thankful to the full State Senate, along with their colleagues in the Assembly, for recognizing this legislation as the economic multiplier and common-sense bill that it is, and for voting to support the hardworking, taxpaying immigrant families who drive our state’s economy and contribute more than $40 billion in economic activity every year.

“Immigration is a business issue, especially as New York employers continue to look to immigraiton to fill key roles in every industry, from agriculture to technology. The Green Light NY bill is about ensuring not only that every New Yorker can achieve full economic mobility, but also that our statewide economy can continue to grow and thrive.

“We urge Governor Cuomo to immediately call the Green Light NY bill to his desk and sign it into law. The benefits of this bill – from enabling hundreds of thousands of new drivers to engage fully with local economies by patronizing small businesses and seeking new employment or education opportunities, to increasing road safety by ensuring every driver is trained and licensed – demand quick action, and the sooner it is signed, the sooner every New Yorker can see the positive impact it will bring. Already, 12 other states, along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have passed similar laws and enjoyed the benefits; now, New York will stand alongside them in defense of immigrant families and in support of a stronger, more accessible economy for all.”

The New York Smart Growth Coalition is an alliance of businesses committed to improving the economic security and safety of New York and its residents by allowing eligible New Yorkers to apply for a state driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. It’s not just good state policy — it’s good business.