Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) has strongly criticized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for its recent approval of congestion pricing charges that will impact workers in Manhattan's Central Business District. Lawler described the decision as a burden on hard-working New Yorkers, stating, "I’ve been opposed to congestion pricing since day one, and the MTA’s decision to charge $15 just to get to work is a slap in the face to hard-working New Yorkers."

Lawler also expressed his disappointment in the MTA's priorities, highlighting the need to address internal issues before imposing additional financial burdens on commuters. He stated, "Rather than cleaning up their own mess and addressing the billions in waste, fraud, and abuse within the MTA, Governor Hochul and Janno Lieber have doubled down on this cash grab which won’t fix the underlying issues at 2 Broadway."

The Congressman emphasized his commitment to challenging the congestion pricing policy, mentioning collaboration with colleagues on legislative efforts. Lawler shared, "I’ll continue working with a bipartisan group of my colleagues in Congress and in state and local government to advance legislation designed to kill the congestion pricing cash grab, including the Anti-Congestion Tax Act." He added that Governor Hochul and the MTA should anticipate federal action in response to the controversial scheme.

The 17th Congressional District of New York, represented by Congressman Lawler, encompasses areas north of New York City, including Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.