Nassau Standard

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and Assemblyman Ed Ra have voiced strong opposition to congestion pricing, advocating for accountability, and prioritizing public safety in the ongoing debate over transportation policy.

Senator Rhoads and Assemblyman Ra introduced an amendment (S.5934) aimed at increasing accountability in the implementation of congestion pricing. The proposed bill would require any recommended toll amounts to be approved by the legislature before being adopted by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Board. Additionally, it would mandate the Traffic Mobility Review Board to develop a privacy risk plan concerning the collection and processing of personal data, reflecting the legislators' commitment to safeguarding residents' privacy in the digital age.

Senator Rhoads emphasized the importance of accountability in government, stating, “turning that responsibility over to random people who most of the public will never have the opportunity to meet instead of taking responsibility for a policy that the legislature created to actually establish those tolls is shirking our responsibility and this amendment will place the responsibility back where it lies – with the elected officials of the legislature.”

Concerns were raised about the financial implications of congestion pricing, with Senator Rhoads highlighting the substantial debt of the MTA and the limited revenue expected to be generated by the tolling system. He called for a forensic audit of the MTA, criticizing the current management as "Money Thrown Away."

Assemblyman Ra echoed these sentiments, describing congestion pricing as a regressive tax that disproportionately burdens suburban taxpayers. He stressed the need for policies that prioritize the well-being of all New Yorkers, emphasizing, “Long Island taxpayers are tired of being treated like an ATM. To do so without even making an effort to heed the voices of those affected is negligent at best and devious at worst.”

In conclusion, Senator Rhoads and Assemblyman Ra are resolute in their opposition to congestion pricing, advocating for transparency, accountability, and the protection of taxpayers' interests in shaping transportation policies for the state of New York.