Lawmakers Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Halt New york’s Congestion Tax and Demand MTA Accountability
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In a bold move to protect commuters and hold the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) accountable,a group of bipartisan lawmakers has reintroduced legislation aimed at ending New York’s controversial congestion tax. The proposed measures seek to alleviate the financial burden on hardworking families and ensure greater transparency in the MTA’s financial dealings.
Legislators Speak out Against the Congestion Tax
“When costs are already high, it is utterly absurd to me that New york and the MTA are whacking hardworking commuters with a crushing, regressive $9 Congestion Tax that will cost more than $2,300 a year,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m not going to sit around and let the MTA balance their woefully mismanaged, out-of-control budget by picking the pockets of Jersey and New York families — our bipartisan legislation will put a stop to the MTA’s cash grab and hold them accountable.”
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2) echoed thes sentiments, emphasizing the financial strain on residents. “States like New York and New Jersey have developed a habit of solving problems by imposing more fees and taxes on our residents, driving up the cost of living.it’s no wonder people are leaving the region in droves—it’s simply too expensive to live and work here. This needs to change,and this bill is a step in the right direction.”
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) also voiced her concerns, stating, “Governor hochul and Janno Lieber will go to any length to continue treating hardworking New Yorkers like bottomless ATMs. We are already starting to see the negative impact this burdensome tax will have on working-class New Yorkers and small businesses who are already being taxed to death, and with the help of president Trump we will continue to use every legislative and legal avenue at the federal level to reverse this disastrous cash grab brought to us by Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature.”
bipartisan Bills to End the Congestion Tax and ensure MTA Accountability
the reintroduced legislation includes three key bills designed to halt the congestion tax and demand greater accountability from the MTA:
- The Anti-Congestion Tax Act: Introduced by Congressman Gottheimer and Congressman Van Drew, this bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from awarding any new grants to MTA projects in new York until drivers from all New Jersey and New York crossings into Manhattan receive exemptions from any Congestion Tax. This measure aims to prevent the MTA from imposing a nine-dollar-a-day tax that could cost the Port Authority millions.
- The Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act: co-led by Congressman Gottheimer and Congresswoman Malliotakis, this bill requires the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. department of Transportation to conduct a full audit of the MTA.The audit will examine how the MTA has spent billions in federal assistance over the past five years, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- The Economic Impact of Tolling Act: Also co-led by Congressman Gottheimer and Congresswoman Malliotakis, this bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from enacting the Congestion Tax until an economic impact analysis is completed and made available to the public. This analysis will provide crucial insights into the tax’s potential effects on the economy and residents.
The reintroduction of these bipartisan bills marks a significant step towards protecting commuters and ensuring that the MTA operates with greater transparency and accountability. As the debate over congestion pricing continues, lawmakers remain committed to advocating for the interests of their constituents and holding the MTA accountable for its financial decisions.
FAQ: Lawmakers Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Halt New York’s Congestion Tax and Demand MTA Accountability
What is the purpose of the reintroduced legislation?
The reintroduced legislation aims to protect commuters by halting New York’s controversial congestion tax and demanding greater openness and accountability from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
What are the main components of the proposed bills?
The legislation includes three key bills:
- The Anti-Congestion Tax Act: Prevents new Department of Transportation grants to MTA projects until exemptions are provided for New Jersey and New York drivers entering Manhattan.
- The Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act: Requires a full audit of the MTA’s use of federal assistance over the past five years.
- The Economic impact of Tolling Act: Prohibits the Congestion Tax until an economic impact analysis is publicly available.
Who introduced the bipartisan bills?
The bills where introduced by a group of bipartisan lawmakers, including Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congressman Jeff van Drew, and congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.
Why are lawmakers opposing the congestion tax?
Lawmakers argue that the congestion tax is a financial burden on working-class families, increases living costs, and lacks sufficient transparency regarding how funds are managed by the MTA.
What actions will be taken under thes bills?
The bills propose stopping the Congestion Tax, requiring audits for financial transparency, and conducting an economic impact analysis of the tax’s effects before implementation.
How can the public get involved or learn more?
the public is encouraged to share their opinions, follow the legislative process, and discuss their views on social media to raise awareness and engage with policymakers.
Call-to-Action
Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on the congestion tax and these new legislative proposals on social media. Together,let’s ensure transparency and accountability for New York commuters.
