This is an issue I've been following off and on for a while. Michael Balboni, a politician from New York, summed it up best, stating "What's so ironic about this bill is everybody agrees with the concept, one person, one driver's license. How you get there is really the tough issue."
I can see the desire that the federal government has to some form of standardization, because really, things are all over the map right now.
However, I think it still remains a states' rights issue. From what I've read on the issue so far, it's unlikely many states are going to like this idea, even if the federal government coughs up some money to help foot the bill, which doesn't appear to be likely. Hell, Wisconsin has enough problems of its own with a new computer system without throwing this in to the works.
There's been some concern about illegal aliens on the issue of driver's licenses. Most states don't require proof of citizenship or legal status to get a driver's license. It's feared that illegal aliens would not apply for licenses, and lead to unsafe driving.
What a bunch of horseshit.
If they're a safe driver already, how is this going to change if they can't get a license? Is an unsafe driver going to become a safe driver just because a legal resident suddenly gets a license? If proof of legal status isn't required, then it's not like you're going to catch anyone when they apply for a license. Likewise, if proof is required, then illegals aren't likely to show up in the first place, are they?
In any case, depending on the guidelines the federal government sets forth, it may be opening a door better left closed.
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