Posted on 11/14/24
| News Source: NY Post
President-elect Donald Trump told The Post on Thursday that he opposes Gov. Kathy Hochul’s revived plan for congestion pricing for vehicles that drive through certain parts of New York City, calling it the “most regressive tax known to womankind.”
The Democratic governor is proposing a $9 toll — after an earlier plan for $15 fees went down in flames amid a middle- and working-class outcry.
“I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to Make New York and America Great Again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” Trump said.
“It has never worked, but especially so with a city, town, or village that is trying to come back from very rough times, which can certainly be said of New York City. It will put New York City at a disadvantage over competing cities and states, and businesses will flee.”
Trump, whose populist platform of tax breaks for workers and retirees helped secure his return to the White House, said it would be those struggling to make ends meet who would suffer.
“Not only is this a massive tax to people coming in, it is extremely inconvenient from both driving and personal booking keeping standards. It will be virtually impossible for New York City to come back as long as the congestion tax is in effect,” Trump said
“It will hurt workers, families, and businesses, but in particular, anything to do with jobs. It is the most regressive tax known to womankind (man!).”
Trump and Hochul have been sharply at odds over the years, but had a warm call after he won the Nov. 5 election.
Hochul has the power to pardon Trump of his May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal 2016 hush money payments — should the judge in that case not dismiss the case outright pending sentencing.
Trump’s ambitious tax-reform plans call for eliminating the $10,00 State and Local Tax (SALT) federal tax deduction, which hits New Yorkers particularly hard, as well as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits.
Hochul’s revived congestion pricing plan intends to address some concerns with impacts on lower-income people, though implementation could be difficult.
Hohcul says the new plan includes a 50% discount that would be available people who earn less than $50,000 a year under a Low-Income Discount Plan that would take effect after 10 trips in any month.
The plan, which is aimed to alleviate both congestion and the environmental effects of idling cars, was pitched by the Democrat as a bargain compared to the earlier edition.
“This lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually, and that kind of money makes a big difference for our families,” Hochul said.