PRESS

February 14, 2008 - Dean Scontras Testimony in Favor of LR 3488

Senator Damon, Representative Marley and members of the Committee. My name is Dean Scontras. I am a resident of Eliot, and I appreciate this opportunity to testify in favor of LR 3488 "An Act to Require that a Person be a Maine Resident in Order to be Issued a Maine Driver's License".

Almost five months ago, I was surprised to learn Maine did not require proof of residency in order for one to obtain a driver's license. In other words, practically anyone can walk into the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and walk out with a valid Maine driver's license. This misguided policy creates a number of challenges in the areas of national security, the Maine economy, and the letter and spirit of the law regarding persons who are in the United States illegally. To address these challenges, the legislature must undertake real reform and this resolution is a good start.

The National Security implications of an "honor system" regarding the issuance of Maine driver's licenses are obvious. INS officials estimate that there are currently twelve to twenty million illegal aliens living in the United States, and more are crossing over our borders every day. Maine's current policy encourages these individuals to come here and obtain valid Maine driver's licenses using the uniform social security number 999-99-9999. In fact, state officials estimate that over 5,000 of these licenses have been issued since 2003 when Governor Baldacci issued Executive Order 13 FY 04/05. Our open door policy allows unidentified, possibly dangerous individuals to obtain valid identification. In today's world, valid identification provides individuals access to bank accounts, credit cards, secure workplaces, airports and other forms of public transportation. While not foolproof, limiting access to valid identification to legitimate Maine residents is the first step to a stronger, more comprehensive national security policy.

Secondly, our open door policy places an undue burden on the Maine economy and Maine's taxpayers. A valid Maine driver's license acts as a key, unlocking the door to Maine's generous social services. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that the cost of these services per individual over a lifetime can total $89,000. These services are being funded through our tax dollars, and our current policy allows those who are not paying taxes here in Maine to benefit from these services through the use of a Maine driver's license. You don't have to be an economist to understand that in a state under significant financial strain, this policy is fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable.

Finally, I find that most Maine citizens who are aware of this policy are simply frustrated by its unfairness. We are currently issuing licenses to people who do not live in Maine and never intend to live here. Meanwhile, we have seniors and veterans who have served this state and this country honorably; we have citizens and lifelong Mainers who have played by the rules. When told about this policy, they are dismayed by its folly. There is a sentiment that licenses and their accorded privileges should not be dispensed freely without any system of accountability. A tighter policy, like the one you are considering, would ensure that the privileges of citizenship are coupled with the responsibilities of citizenship.

In light of all this, I strongly support the requirement that a person must be a Maine resident in order to be issued a Maine driver's license. Additionally, I would hope that the resolution's final language would require that license applicants also be legal United States citizens. Maine is currently one of only four states that issue licenses to people who are in the United States illegally. It is the only such state in the eastern part of our country. A residency requirement by itself would still allow illegal aliens in Maine to continue to acquire licenses. No one can be a legal Maine resident without also being a legal resident of the United States. I believe that every applicant for a Maine license should have to provide documentation of residency, along with a valid, verifiable Social Security number. The practice of entering 999-99-9999 instead of a real Social Security number should be terminated immediately. Thank you.

<< Return to Press home