Mayor Wilda Diaz Hosts Mayoral Roundtable On Expanding Access to Driver’s Licenses to More Residents

New Jersey Mayors discussed the need for expanding access to driver’s licenses for communities across the state joined by Assemblywoman Lopez, Assemblywoman Quijano, and local leadership.

PERTH AMBOY, NJ–  On Thursday, July 19th, Mayors from diverse municipalities across New Jersey including Morristown, Perth Amboy, Hopewell, Maplewood, and Roselle sat down to discuss the impact of not being able to access a driver’s license on families and children in their communities.  Currently, more than half a million residents in New Jersey are unable to drive safely because of outdated policies that prevent access to driver’s licenses.

Mayors addressed  how vulnerable populations like undocumented immigrants, survivors of violence, members of the LGBT community and senior citizens are particularly impacted.

“As Mayors who work with constituents directly in our communities, it is extremely important to have this discussion among our peers.  Moreover, as we gather feedback from organizations that work with these marginalized groups, it allows for legislation to directly target the needs of our constituents to better serve a greater population,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz.

“In addition to Hopewell Borough Council designating the Borough as a sanctuary city, Council passed a resolution urging Congress to reform our immigration laws, to create a pathway to citizenship, and reduce the unacceptable backlog in our immigration courts,” said Paul Anzano, Hopewell Borough Mayor. “A state-specific driver’s license is another reform that would encourage immigrants to come out of the shadows, and allow them to better participate in the community and economy,”

State legislators also showed their support at the mayoral roundtable.  Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez spoke about how legislation will benefit New Jersey residents.

“Today’s discussion with mayors from all over New Jersey is an important step as we address the New Jersey Safe & Responsible Driver Act,” stated Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, the long-time sponsor of the legislation moving through both chambers of the legislature. “This legislation was borne from conversations with a local mayor in my district. I can’t emphasize enough that legislators depend on their mayors for input on issues, such as this, that directly affects the quality of life for people in their communities. I commend all the mayors and participants to being a part of this movement.”

“I am glad to have seen this discussion take place in Perth Amboy. Expanding access to driver’s licenses is extremely important in New Jersey that will work to remove the barriers that vulnerable populations face in obtaining a license. It makes all of us safer and allows more individuals to participate fully in New Jersey’s economy,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.

“This legislation is critical to ensuring the safety of our roads for everyone in our community. Better trained, better prepared drivers benefit us all. I want to thank Assemblywoman Quijano and all of the advocates who have been fighting for a safer NJ for years,” stated Senator Joseph Vitale.  

“Leaders across the state support this common sense policy. Expanding access to driver’s licenses will increase public safety, help the state’s economy and increase the well-being of all families in their municipalities,” said Johanna Calle, Director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.

“Expanding access to driver’s licenses would not only pay for itself, but would also generate new revenues. The state would likely collect nearly up to $12 million in license fees in the first three years of implementation. But even more important is the fact that New Jersey’s economy works best when everyone can work and provide for themselves and their families. Across the state, having a car with the ability to drive legally and safely is central to achieving that goal. By expanding access to driver’s licenses, Gov. Murphy and the legislature can help more New Jerseyans participate in, and contribute more to the state’s economy,” said Erika J. Nava, Policy Analyst, New Jersey Policy Perspective.

Twelve states and Washington, D.C. have expanded access to driver’s licenses to qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status.

New Jersey would become the 13th state to expand access to driver’s licenses in the U.S., following states like California, Utah, Washington, and the District of Columbia which have successfully implemented similar expansions. In January, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano re-introduced legislation to create a new state-purpose driver’s license for qualified drivers that could not be used for federal purposes such as flying or public benefits. Governor Phil Murphy has expressed support for this legislation.

The Let’s Drive NJ Campaign is supported by a diverse array of faith, labor and community organizations from across the state. More information about the campaign can be found at LetsDriveNJ.org.

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