Staff Reports
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York appears to be living in a different reality, one where taxing hardworking citizens is still an acceptable strategy for funding government projects. The governor has decided to dust off her controversial congestion pricing plan, previously shelved like an unwanted Christmas gift. Now, she’s insisting that a reduced toll of $9, which is still a hefty price to pay just to enter downtown Manhattan, is a stroke of genius. Apparently, she thinks dropping the fee from $15 justifies a revival of this ludicrous initiative, which is set to be implemented right as Donald Trump is ready to reclaim the White House.
The logic behind this move is classic liberal thinking—a desire to fix the weather while picking the pockets of everyday New Yorkers. Hochul’s assertion that this toll will contribute to some grand climate change goal is as predictable as a politician promising to change. In her view, a lower toll means less strain on those who can least afford it, yet how these same individuals will cope with the idea of paying for the privilege of driving to their own city is left to the imagination. One has to wonder how she defines “everyday New Yorkers” when raising funds for public transit is essentially raising taxes.
Of course, there’s no shortage of opposition to Hochul’s old-but-new scheme. Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Mike Lawler, are all set to introduce legislation aimed directly at halting this so-called congestion pricing “scheme” quicker than a taxi can zip through Times Square. As Lawler aptly pointed out, this plan is effectively a massive new tax, hitting working families, college students, and those commuting daily just because they happen to live near—or dare to drive into—the city.
Adding to the financial funhouse that is the Hochul administration, low-income drivers—those making under $50,000—will reportedly receive a 50% discount after their 10th toll of the month. Because nothing says “we care” like offering a pitiful discount to those who have no choice but to drive into the city to earn a living. It’s almost commendable how politicians find new ways to act concerned while simultaneously robbing those they claim to help.
Hochul revives New York City congestion pricing plan https://t.co/ckc9H6MTq4
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) November 14, 2024
And what’s this? New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy seems to be riding the anti-congestion pricing bandwagon as well. While one might think it amusing that a Democrat from New Jersey would have the gall to lecture a fellow Democrat on fiscal responsibility, his warning about the economic climate facing Americans—inflation, rising prices, you name it—holds weight, even coming from his direction. Good luck getting Hochul to listen, though; she’s likely too preoccupied with her plans to shake down her constituents.
As the winds of change flow from the impending Trump administration, one can only hope for some common sense to infiltrate New York’s government, especially concerning this regressive toll scheme. After all, building a better New York shouldn’t involve dragging citizens through another round of taxation without representation—an age-old complaint that seems to have been forgotten amid the rush to impose more taxes under the guise of transit improvements and environmentalism.
