New York Governor Kathy Hochul has postponed the state’s controversial congestion pricing plan due to fears it could harm House Democrats in the November elections, according to Politico and The New York Times.
The congestion pricing plan, set to charge drivers $15 for entering Manhattan below 60th Street, has since sparked significant debate. In the final days of the legislative session in Albany, Hochul is expected to ask lawmakers to increase the MTA payroll tax on New York City businesses. This would offset the approximately $1 billion in revenue from congestion pricing that the transit authority is relying on to secure $15 billion in bonds to fund improvements to public transportation.
An insider indicated that Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who is working to regain the Democratic majority in the House, was one of the most prominent advocates for the delay. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) also welcomed the potential move, attributing it to public pressure and concerns over its impact on the upcoming elections.
“It is welcome news that Governor Hochul is considering delaying congestion pricing, scheduled to begin June 30, due to our pressure, the public’s outcry and concerns it will impact Democrats in November’s election,” Malliotakis said. She encouraged New Yorkers to keep contacting their representatives to oppose what she described as a “war-on-cars cash grab.”
The congestion pricing plan aims to alleviate traffic, generate funds for public transit, and improve air quality. However, it has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans as a financial burden, even for locals without cars. The rumors of delaying the plan coincide with several lawsuits challenging the toll. The Trucking Association of New York recently filed a lawsuit, calling the additional tolls for large trucks “excessive.” Furthermore, Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has opposed the plan and even sued to block it earlier this spring.
Initially passed into law five years ago by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, the congestion pricing plan is opposed by about 63% of New Yorkers, according to an April Siena College poll.
