New York, New York – Assemblyman David I. Weprin, Councilman Barry Grodenchik joined the Queens Civic Congress, Queens Chamber of Commerce, other concerned outer borough residents to express strong opposition to the proposed traffic congestion tolling plan recommended by the Fix NYC Advisory Panel.

New York’s middle class families and small businesses, already struggling with the rising cost of living and competitive business climate in this city, cannot afford a regressive tax in the form of tolls. A toll charge of $11.52 for passenger vehicles and $25.34 for trucks will impose an unacceptable burden on outer borough residents and businesses, who already pay millions in parking fees, vehicle registration fees, and other associated taxes in addition to being targeted by the recently passed federal tax plan, for the benefit of those who have the means to choose to reside in the center of the city.

“Congestion pricing would be disastrous for Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island residents. The tolls would inadvertently place a tax middle class communities and small businesses in these areas and raise the cost of goods and services from these areas while also limiting the competitive ability of local businesses. On top of that, private drivers who rely on the free bridges would have to pay each and every time they travel into the city, in addition to the vehicle registration fees, fuel taxes and other garage fees charged to New York City drivers” said Assemblyman David I. Weprin. “New York cannot afford to break the backs and empty the wallets of its outer borough locals to ‘Fix NYC.’ ”

“I will fervently oppose any congestion pricing plan” said Council Member Barry Grodenchik (D – Oakland Gardens). For too long our government has chosen to underfund our mass transit system. Now, to make up for its lack of investment, the State of New York is proposing a regressive tax that will fall squarely on the shoulders of hard working New Yorkers. If this wrong-headed plan is implemented and “successful,” traffic speed in the core area of Manhattan will still be less than 6 mph which is a bill of goods I am not interested in buying. We need to invest in and improve our mass transit system, not add more regressive taxes on New Yorkers struggling to get by.”