Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), alongside Representatives Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Nick LaLota (NY-01), held a press conference on Capitol Hill to criticize Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to move forward with her controversial congestion pricing plan. The full press conference is available online here.
“Kathy Hochul’s Congestion Pricing is nothing more than a scam on working families in New York,” stated Congressman Lawler. “Folks are struggling to make ends meet, and Governor Kathy Hochul is forcing yet another tax onto the backs of hard-working New Yorkers.”
Lawler pointed to fare evasion on the subway system as a major issue, highlighting the loss of over $700 million annually due to unpaid rides. “Over 400,000 people ride the subway every single day without paying, and yet Governor Hochul wants to tax the cops, teachers, firefighters, nurses, and union workers heading South of 60th Street to keep New York City running instead of forcing the MTA to do their job.”
The proposed congestion pricing plan, which could cost drivers as much as $2,500 annually, has drawn widespread criticism. “These farebeaters cost the MTA over $700 million a year, but Kathy Hochul wants to charge hard-working New Yorkers $2,500 a year,” added Lawler. “Our hard-working constituents shouldn’t have to foot the bill for Kathy Hochul’s unwillingness to take on the MTA and its waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption.”
Lawler concluded by calling on Governor Hochul to address inefficiencies within the MTA instead of burdening New Yorkers with additional taxes. “The Governor should do her job instead of punishing residents of New York for trying to get to theirs,” he said.
The event showcased a united front among Republican lawmakers against the congestion pricing plan, which has become a hot-button issue for New Yorkers concerned about its economic impact.
