The president-elect, Donald Trump, is being urged by the leader of the umbrella group that represents 300,000 municipal workers in New York City to put an end to congestion pricing. The leader also expressed disappointment with Governor Kathy Hochul for bringing back this controversial scheme.
Harry Nespoli, chairman of the Municipal Labor Committee and leader of the sanitation workers’ union, has some advice for President Trump: “Stop it!” Nespoli urges the president to keep his campaign pledge.
The Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) encompasses various essential workers in the city, including police officers, firefighters, medics, and teachers. A significant number of these workers are stationed within the congestion toll zone and will be required to pay a $9 fee when driving into Manhattan south of 60th Street, beginning on January 5th.
According to Nespoli, Trump’s stance against congestion pricing resonated with workers and helped him establish a connection during the campaign. Nespoli stated, “It’s an issue workers genuinely care about.”
“I hope President Trump will take action to put an end to congestion pricing. If it’s within his capabilities, I urge him to do so,” he expressed his desire.
The MLC is in full support of the ongoing federal lawsuit filed by the United Federation of Teachers union, aimed at preventing the implementation of the congestion toll.
Italian-American businessman and philanthropist, John Nespoli, expressed his disappointment and confusion regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to suspend congestion pricing in June, only to revive it after the November 5th election.
Nespoli found the sudden reversal perplexing, especially as the toll was reduced from $15 to $9. The aim of congestion pricing is to alleviate gridlock and provide financial support to the MTA’s capital plan.
“I’m really let down by how quickly Hochul made this decision. It’s really confusing why she would stop it and then start it up again.”
According to the expert, Hochul’s swift action on congestion pricing may have been a strategic move to make it harder for Trump, who assumes office on January 20th, to eliminate the policy.
In a recent statement, 78-year-old Trump strongly criticized congestion pricing, labeling it as a burdensome tax.
“I hold a high regard for Governor Kathy Hochul of New York and am eager to collaborate with her in our shared goal of making New York and America thrive once again. However, I must express my strong opposition to the decision regarding the congestion tax,” stated Trump.
According to the speaker, implementing this policy in New York City will put the city at a disadvantage compared to other competing cities and states. He asserts that businesses will likely flee as a result. Furthermore, he argues that the implementation of this policy will have negative consequences for workers, families, and businesses, especially in terms of job opportunities. In his view, this tax is the most regressive tax known to humanity.
Last week, Hochul and the MTA made an announcement regarding the toll, stating that it would be implemented on January 5th. According to the plan, the fee will gradually increase to $12 by 2028 and $15 by 2031.
According to Nespoli, the key issue here is that Hochul failed to grant exemptions for frontline workers who commute to Manhattan for work assignments. He argues that some of these workers have no other option but to drive instead of using public transportation.
Nespoli emphasized the importance of ensuring that workers can easily access Manhattan in order to provide care for the people of New York City. “Why are we burdening city workers with even higher costs? It simply doesn’t make sense.”
Teachers’ union president Mike Mulgrew criticized the post-election revival of congestion pricing as “tone deaf” last week.
“It’s absolutely outrageous to witness Democrats engaging in such behavior just a week after the election,” exclaimed Mulgrew. “It’s completely unexpected and goes against the interests of the working class. They need to stop taking advantage of hardworking people!”
On Wednesday, Hochul’s office highlighted a significant reduction in tolls, claiming a 40% decrease.
According to Sam Spokony, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul, the plan proposed by the Governor will not only enhance the daily commutes of millions of transit riders but also reduce tolls by 40%. Public sector workers, who heavily rely on subways and buses, will particularly benefit from this initiative.
“Governor Cuomo is taking decisive action to address the pressing issue of congestion and improve transit efficiency in New York. Unlike others who have failed to propose concrete solutions, he is committed to implementing a comprehensive plan that not only reduces congestion but also promotes affordability, benefiting both our state and economy.”
In 2019, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Democratic-run legislature passed a law granting authorization to the MTA to implement a congestion toll. The main objective of this toll is to reduce traffic congestion in Midtown and generate additional funding for the transit agency.
