LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Black
Car Assistance Corporation on May 22, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of the Black Car Assistance Corporation, to
be observed at a dinner celebration on Tuesday, May 22, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The Black Car Assistance Corporation (BCAC) was founded in
1991, with the primary purpose of providing workers' compensation insur-
ance to black car drivers who are almost exclusively independent
contractors; and
WHEREAS, The BCAC resulted in the formation of the Black Car Fund and
established a one of a kind business model which did not cost the driver
or base anything but applied a very small surcharge to the customer; and
WHEREAS, The black car driver population is heavily populated by a
hard working immigrant community; by allowing the drivers to maintain
their independent contractor status, through hard work and devotion to
their careers, many have been able to live the American Dream and have
purchased homes and sent their children to college; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, the BCAC has been known for aggres-
sively representing its membership; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, the BCAC led the charge to get what is known as the
"reciprocity law" enacted at the State level, allowing a driver licensed
in one jurisdiction to transport passengers to other jurisdictions with-
out requiring a separate license and accompanying fees in any other
jurisdiction mandated under State law; and
WHEREAS, This also helped further public safety by standardizing a
high level qualification on drivers including annual drug testing and
criminal background checks; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, the BCAC was instrumental in getting the Real Inter-
state Drivers Equity Act (RIDE Act) passed which enabled black cars to
cross state lines so long as they are licensed in their home state,
saving duplicative licensing fees for drivers and bases; and
WHEREAS, The BCAC also took on the Internal Revenue Service and nego-
tiated the right for drivers to maintain their independent status under
federal law, allowing drivers to maintain their entrepreneur spirit and
continue to pursue the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the BCAC has had numerous other achievements;
some highlights are: the establishment of holding lots at LaGuardia,
Kennedy and Newark Airports making it easier to service clients and
lessening congestion at the terminals; establishing an exemption from
the high quantity HOV lanes if a black car has a passenger; and initiat-
ing the process with the TLC and DOT to establish 29 relief stands; and
WHEREAS, In the days and weeks following 9/11, BCAC and its drivers
provided thousands of free rides to the families of victims of the World
Trade Center bombings; drivers volunteered their time, and bases paid
their drivers to provide free rides to families between the family
assistance center, local hospitals and their homes; and
WHEREAS, These benevolent efforts were recognized by the head of the
Federal Department of Transportation in 2002; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Black Car Assistance Corporation
on May 22, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Black Car Assistance Corporation.