NY Must Reject the Real ID Act!

The Real ID Act will be a real nightmare for New York.

Passed by Congress in 2005 without a single hearing, the Real ID Act attempts to turn state driver's licenses into America's first-ever national ID cards.

The Real ID Act undermines privacy and security. It will mean higher driver's license fees, longer lines at the DMV, and bureaucratic nightmares for Americans.

Fortunately, there is a way to stop the Real ID Act from becoming law in New York, since Congress has left it up to each state to decide whether to implement the Real ID Act.

All over the country, policymakers, civil libertarians, conservatives, activists, union leaders and concerned Americans are coming together to oppose the Real ID Act. Eighteen states have already passed legislation opposing the Act, in what is truly a bipartisan movement.

It's time for New York State to join this national movement. Please send a free fax below to Governor Paterson and to your state lawmakers urging them to stand up for New Yorkers' rights and to oppose the Real ID Act!

Click Here for More Information on the Real ID Act.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

As your constituent, I urge you to oppose implementation of the federal Real ID Act in New York State.

(Edit Letter Below)

Since its passage in 2005, the Real ID Act has ignited a storm of opposition among states.  Eighteen states have already passed legislation rejecting the Real ID Act.  Similar bills are pending in many more.  It's time for New York to join the growing number of states opposing Real ID Act implementation.

The Real ID Act violates my privacy rights because it tries to create a national ID card.  Law-abiding Americans have the right to come and go when and where they please without fear that their government is watching over their every move. A national ID card is simply un-American, and it will not make New Yorkers safer.

The Real ID Act will also be a bureaucratic nightmare for me and my family.  I am worried that someone I love may lose precious government services because they can't find their birth certificate, or find the time to overcome the many bureaucratic hurdles to get a so-called Real ID.

The federal government has left states with the burden of shouldering the implementation costs of the Real ID Act, which could reach as high as $11 billion.  New York taxpayers should not carry the costs of this unfunded federal mandate.

The nation is watching to see what New York will do on Real ID.  Your decision on the Real ID Act will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Act.  New York should be at the forefront of the bipartisan opposition against the Real ID Act.  I ask you to take a leadership role on this issue.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on opposing implementation of the Real ID Act in New York.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

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Assembly Member Sheldon Silver (if you live in New York)
Governor David Paterson
Senator Dean Skelos
Your Assemblyperson (if you live in New York)
Your State Senator (if you live in New York)

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