Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler and several Republican colleagues have reached out to former President Donald Trump, seeking his assistance in opposing Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed congestion pricing plan. The request follows Governor Hochul's recent announcement of her intention to "unpause" the initiative, which would impose a $9 daily charge on commuters entering New York City.

Lawler criticized the governor, stating, "I've long said that Governor Kathy Hochul is the worst Governor in America, and her crusade to force her congestion pricing cash grab on hard-working New Yorkers is just the latest example of her ineptitude." He argued that this measure would unfairly burden essential workers such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and electricians.

The congressman emphasized the need for leadership focused on reducing costs for working families and addressing financial issues within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). "New York State needs a Governor committed to lowering costs on working families, fixing the MTA's broken and corrupt budget, and making things a little easier for all New Yorkers," he stated.

Lawler expressed hope that Trump would collaborate with both parties to halt the congestion pricing plan while ensuring accountability for MTA expenditures. "I'm hopeful that President Donald Trump will work with both Republicans and Democrats to stop Hochul's congestion pricing cash grab," he said. Lawler also looked forward to potential changes in leadership by 2026: "And I hope that New Yorkers will turn the page on the failed Hochul Administration in 2026 and usher New York into a new and better future."

Representing New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties just north of New York City, Lawler is recognized as one of Congress's most bipartisan members.