Gov. Andrew Cuomo continued to push back on Thursday against the criticism of the plan to replace old license plates starting in April with new ones, requiring drivers to pay a $25 fee.

Cuomo in an interview with WAMC public radio said lawmakers hold the responsibility for the fee, which was last increased in 2009 under then-Gov. David Paterson. He challenged lawmakers critical of the replacement plan should return to Albany and take up the issue.

“It’s been in law every year for 10 years,” Cuomo said. “Why didn’t you change the fee? I didn’t set the $25. It’s been there since before I was governor. You passed it. It’s your fault. You want to come back on a special session and change it? Come tomorrow. I would welcome you.”

Cuomo was also critical of the reporting surrounding the criticism of the license plate replacement plan as “the greatest scam and lack of reporting accuracy.”

The law approved in 2009 enabled the the state Department of Motor Vehicles to increase the license plate fee that is “not to exceed” $25, which has been interpreted as allowing the DMV to lower the fee as well.

Republican Sen. Jim Tedisco earlier in the day on Thursday called for a public hearing on the issue.

“Before the administration fleeces taxpayers any further, the public has a right to give input on this plan to force millions of motorists to turn in their current license plates and buy new ones,” Tedisco said. “And as legislators, we have a sworn obligation to represent our constituents and hold a public hearing to hold the Administration and DMV accountable and get answers as to what happened with the old plates, why they believe the mandatory license plate fees are necessary, and where the money is going.”