Fahy Introduces Legislation Allowing New Yorkers to Purchase Vintage, Historic License Plates

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany), Chair of the Senate’s Disabilities Committee, announced today she’s introduced the ‘Creating Lasting Access to Supported and Inclusive Careers for New York’ Act (CLASSIC NY Act), legislation creating a new Disability Employment Innovation Fund supported through the purchase of historic and vintage license plates.

In 2023, the last year for which we have state level data, approximately 46.8% of Americans with disabilities from age 16-64 who are active in the labor force were employed nationally, whereas in New York, only 41.4% were, a gap of 5.4%. Unfortunately, the gap is not only persistent but growing, underscoring how New York can and must do better.

Disparately, all of the states surrounding New York State, except for Pennsylvania, had an average disability employment rate above the national average Since COVID, this disparity has only grown; “Research has noted post-Covid labor market patterns differ from previous recessions in which employment recovery for people with disabilities lagged the nondisabled population, largely due to expanded remote work options for those who would have difficulty taking an in-person job, and a tighter labor market that encouraged more inclusive hiring.”

In Colorado, where a similar ‘wildly popular’ program was implemented, revenues generated through the specialty license plate program now help fund grants and services supporting people with disabilities, including employment and independent living initiatives. Since its inception, the program has generated millions of dollars annually for disability-focused programs.

Under this legislation, New Yorkers would be able to purchase reissued historic and vintage style “Classic NY” license plates for an additional annual fee, with proceeds deposited directly into the Disability Employment Innovation Fund. The bill also allows the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to auction high-demand or premium plate configurations, creating an additional source of revenue dedicated to disability employment programs.

The legislation also includes annual public reporting requirements to track how funds are spent and measure employment outcomes, including the number of individuals served and long-term job placement success.

“New York State lags behind its counterparts when it comes to employing people living with disabilities in our workforce,” said Senator Patricia Fahy, Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee. “This legislation creates an innovative program that will allow New Yorkers to enjoy and purchase vintage and retro license plates while directing revenue into a new Disability Employment Innovation Fund that will support employers and New Yorkers living with disabilities seeking to enter the workforce. New Yorkers living with disabilities want to work, and this program will direct badly needed funds to help remove barriers to employment and improve workforce participation. Not only is it good for our wider economy, but it also recognizes the inherent dignity and independence of New Yorkers living with disabilities in our workforce.”

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