New York governor Eliot Spitzer provoked a firestorm of controversy with his plan to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Whatever you think about it, the idea was to thwart identity theft, to reduce hit-and-run accidents and to help keep a lid on insurance rates for legal drivers.
On the other coast, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have a different solution: government-funded ride-share programs. Each county recently received $3 million in state funds to purchase and operate vans. Each rider pays a weekly fare of $25. After the third year, the program is expected to pay for itself. Ventura country has an estimated 30,000 farm workers, about 12,000 of which are migrant workers. Of course, this solution works specifically for agricultural communities, in which large numbers of migrants are headed to and from the fields each day.
As you'd expect, it has plenty of critics, as well. Many feel that state funds are being used to subsidize people who are breaking the law. Even so, the program's proponents argue that it makes streets safer for everyone while reducing emissions.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Ventura County Star
