This week, State Senator Rob Ortt introduced legislation in response to a state plan to produce new license plates and force motorists whose plates are more than ten years old to buy them for a $25 fee.

"This bill would make sure that that fee would be waived under law," Ortt said.

The state is currently holding a contest for people to choose a new design. Ortt said he has legitimate questions about why one of those designs prominently features a bridge named after the governor's father.

"The bridge itself is not iconic in any way for most people in New York State," he said. "The Brooklyn Bridge would be more iconic than the Tappan Zee or the Mario Cuomo Bridge."

But this bill, he said, is not about designs. It's about money.

Governor Cuomo said the old plates need to be replaced because there are concerns about them not working with a new cashless tolling system. Ortt said that argument is bogus.

"Of course no one's going to say we're just issuing new plates because we want more of your money. No one says that. People aren't dumb," he said. "They know that's the real reason behind this."

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb introduced a bill Friday mirroring Ortt's proposal and Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has also introduced a similar one. Republicans Angelo Morinello and Mike Norris plan to submit the official Assembly "same-as" bill.

"When you're in the minority, it's always helpful to have the majority bill and I know that Assemblyman Santabarbara's bill is similar and hopefully there can be details worked out to bring them together," Norris said.

Ortt believes he has bi-partisan support from state lawmakers and county clerks alike. He said he's confident the governor's office will take note.

"My guess is (Cuomo) will try to come up with a compromise or drop this issue before he has to veto this bill," he said.

While the state stands to gain at least $75 million dollars next year from the license plates, Ortt said the Legislature should be focusing on cutting spending instead.