The governor has proposed a two-year $5 billion deficit reduction plan and said the state is on the brink of insolvency.
Lawmakers are bracing for a budget battle next week and various organizations across the state are vying for influence.
But even amid such large scale problems, it is legislation forcing motorists to buy new license plates in April 2010 that appears to have pushed people over the edge.
Included in the state 2009-10 budget, and in addition to 25 percent increases to all Department of Motor Vehicle fees, motorists will be buying new license plates for $25, up from $15.
Those wanting to keep existing plate numbers must also pay another $20.
State officials have said an estimated $129 million will be generated by the new plates.
Several members of the state Association of County Clerks have circulated petitions against the plan, hoping to pressure lawmakers to reverse the action, however.
Several clerks, of 14 counties spread across the state, met Thursday in the village of Herkimer to plan an event in Albany next week to present nearly 100,000 signatures.
See the whole story in Friday's edition of The Evening Telegram.
