The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to allow New York to move forward with the congestion pricing plan is misguided and ill-advised. While I am in agreement that congestion pricing can improve the environment in several ways such as free flowing traffic and improving air quality, it is however, another unfair tax burden to the working-class. There is a lack of planning on the implementation of this plan in regards to details, pricing and carveouts. Much of this plan will require planned coordination from the federal, state and city government along with community feedback. 

Throughout the pandemic we have seen our restaurant industry suffer and face permanent closings. Manhattan establishments are not only going to see revenue declines but ultimately will have to relocate as a result of congestion taxation. 

To combat some of the complexities of this plan, I have introduced the following bills in the Assembly: 

A.7699 - An ACT directing the commissioner of transportation to conduct a study on the effects of congestion surcharge imposed in Lower Manhattan

A.7697 - An ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exempting residents of Lower Manhattan and Staten Island from congestion surcharge pricing

I cannot support a plan that will place tax-burdens on the backs of hardworking residents of my district. I do believe the congestion pricing plan will not only hurt motorists but it will also push pollution into the outer boroughs. A further environmental impact study must be conducted before this plan moves forward. Mitigating climate change and reducing environmental impact is something that I will always support, but placing another financial burden on the working-class residents of my district is just not fair.