GOSHEN – State Senate candidate Michael Martucci is calling for the repeal of the state’s Green Light law.
While he said his proposal is not likely to have the support of the majority of state lawmakers, he called on Democrat Senator Jen Metzger to fix “the two most egregious problems with the new law that threaten homeland security and the state’s electoral system.” He is going to challenge her in the November general election.
Martucci, a Republican, said the law as it stands now prevents state agencies from sharing information with law enforcement and has the potential to allow illegal immigrants to vote in state elections.
Martucci said due to the law, the Department of Homeland Security said New York residents will no longer be eligible to participate in “trusted traveler” programs. That, he said poses an inconvenience for New Yorkers who travel frequently, but also “creates the very information barriers between law enforcement agencies that allowed the attacks on September 11, 2001, to happen”
He has a personal tie to the national tragedy. His 23-year-old sister-in-law, Michelle Bratton, who worked at the World Trade Center, was killed in the terrorist attacks.
“I represent my constituents based on their input and facts,’ said Metzger. “The data has proven that this legislation will make our communities and roads safer. That is why groups who advocate for our area, like the Business Council of New York State, the NY Vegetable Growers Association, and many others, supported this legislation. I am not interested in partisan fear-mongering; I am only interested in supporting our local farmers and businesses, and the people I represent.”
