Nassau Standard

Members of the Senate Minority Conference have criticized Governor Hochul's decision to file a lawsuit in response to the federal government's halt on congestion pricing. The group described the lawsuit as frivolous and out of touch with New Yorkers' interests. The Senate Minority is promoting legislation, S.533, which aims to repeal congestion pricing and initiate an independent audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Senator Steven Rhoads expressed his disapproval of the Governor's actions, stating, “New Yorkers are tired of being Albany’s endless ATM. The Governor’s decision to squander taxpayer dollars defending a failed congestion pricing scheme is both reckless and out of touch.” He argued that the recent $8 billion spending increase in the Executive Budget should negate the need for additional taxes.

Senator Jack Martins called congestion pricing a "gimmick" designed to fund MTA mismanagement. He advocated for repealing the policy and holding the MTA accountable through an independent audit. “We don’t need this tax, we need competent and accountable leadership,” he said.

Senator Bill Weber criticized Governor Hochul for pursuing legal action instead of acknowledging the federal government's intervention. “The Trump administration gave Governor Hochul a lifeline by killing congestion pricing," he stated.

Senator Steve Chan highlighted inconsistencies in arguments supporting congestion pricing: "First the governor says she wants to raise a billion dollars. Then she said traffic is way down."

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick urged for transparency and real leadership, saying, “New Yorkers deserve transparency as opposed to the now-expected games from the left.”

The Senate Minority Conference emphasized their commitment to opposing what they describe as burdensome policies while supporting efforts to alleviate financial pressures on New Yorkers.