Community Leaders Urge Governor Hochul to Veto Bill Harmful to Auto Brokers

By Y.M. Lowy

A group of community leaders from across New York are asking Governor Kathy Hochul to veto Senate Bill 7533/Assembly Bill 3499-B, a new law passed by the state legislature on June 6, 2024.

The bill would require automobile brokers to make complicated disclosures about their services, which the leaders argue would put a heavy burden on brokers, making it difficult for them to stay in business and hurting competition in the auto market.

The letter, signed by over 20 leaders, explains that auto brokers provide a valuable service to consumers, especially those from vulnerable communities like religious groups, people of color, and individuals with special needs. Many of these consumers struggle with traditional car dealerships, facing challenges like language barriers or pressure from sales tactics. Brokers offer a safer, more accessible way to buy cars at fair prices, which the letter says would be harmed if the bill became law.

The community leaders warn that the bill would help car dealerships dominate the market, reducing choices for consumers and driving up prices. They also point out that the law could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs in New York, as it would make it nearly impossible for over 300 licensed brokers to operate.

The leaders are calling on Governor Hochul to veto the bill, arguing that it would harm both consumers and the state’s economy.

The full list of signatories includes:

• Gedalya Szegedin – Administrator, Village of Kiryas Joel, Town of Palm Tree
• Allison Deal – Executive Director, Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula
• Rabbi Avrohom Hecht – Jewish Community Council of Canarsie
• Josh Mehlman – Chairman, Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition
• Izzy Spitzer – Mayor of New Square
• Rabbi Jacob Ferencz – Orange County Community Council
• Rabbi Hersh Horowitz – Executive Director, Community Outreach Center
• Mendy Mirocznik – President, Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island
• Ellie Pinkasovits – Mayor of Keser Village
• Avi Greenstein – CEO, Boro Park Jewish Community Council
• Rabbi Moishe Indig – Brooklyn Community Leader
• Meir New – Director of Governmental Affairs, Crown Heights Central Jewish Community Council
• Rabbi David Niederman – President, United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn
• Baruch Rothman – Director of Institutional Advancement, Yeshiva Darchei Torah
• Yeruchim Silber – Director of New York Government Relations, Agudath Israel of America
• Rabbi Moshe Wiener – Executive Director, Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island
• Shimi Pelman – Community District Leader
• Shea Rubenstein – Executive Vice President, Jewish Community Council of Marine Park
• Rabbi Chanina Sperlin – Community Leader, Crown Heights
• Rabbi Joel Rosenfeld – Bobov Community
• Abraham Rutner – Secretary, Jewish Community Council of Sullivan County
• Joel Stern – United Jewish Community of Blooming Grove

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