Previously Published in The Messenger
By Senator Alexis Weik
Originally proposed as environmental protection for New York City, Congestion Pricing has proven itself to be an environmental farse. In the short time this tax has been in place it has become little more than a permit for the wealthy to access city streets while shoveling the masses on to less than safe mass transit.
Why does the MTA even need Congestion Pricing?
In 2009, the MTA Payroll Tax, which promised permanent financial sustainability, was passed by the NYS legislature. It taxes everyone, municipalities, businesses, residents, hospitals and even nonprofit organizations – even shelters for battered women pay the MTA tax and not just once, but always. It appears on your payroll tax and on your property taxes.
When the Governor paused Congestion Pricing, she then started talking about raising the MTA tax to make up the difference. The MTA has been weaponized. The authority is hoping the public has forgotten they already contribute an additional $1.3 billion dollars per year towards their robust $18 billion dollar budget. In fact, the MTA has collected more than $25 billion dollars since its payroll tax went into effect.
Increased tolls at our bridges, increased fares on trains, MTA payroll tax, and now Congestion Pricing – when does it end? If we keep giving the MTA endless streams of money, when will they ever learn to run efficiently?
These taxes are driving business and families out of New York and it must stop.
Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) has represented the Eighth District in the New York State Senate since 2023. She is the Ranking Member of the Committees on Civil Service and Pensions; and Women’s Issues; and serves on the Committees on Education; Local Government; Social Service; and Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs.