“I’m glad the Thruway Authority has moved in the right direction by passing a budget with no toll increases. After hearing from residents and constituents in my district, I made it my priority to keep pushing against any toll hikes. This is a testament to our hard work and reiterates that our voices were heard throughout the years. I look forward to continuing our commitment to strengthening our local businesses, as well as creating and protecting jobs for our families. We’ve worked hard to foster a business-friendly environment here in New York and we must continue the fight to keep it moving in the right direction.”

The Thruway Authority recently passed a budget that does not increase tolls. Assemblyman Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) has long been a staunch advocate against toll hikes. In 2012, he spoke against a 45 percent toll hike on large trucks, and last year he pushed back against a proposal to pay for the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement by raising tolls. He has also called for the Thruway Authority to make good on their commitment made in 2013 to form a Tolls and Finance Task Force to identify new revenue resources to pay for the Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement.

In his efforts against hikes, Assemblyman Santabarbara also helped craft a 2015-16 state budget that directed $1.3 billion to the Thruway Authority to help with a budget shortfall.