Hudson Valley politicians aim to stop congestion pricing, find ways to provide relief
Originally published in
News12 Westchester
on
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News 12 spoke with politicians from the Hudson Valley area, who are suggesting relief for residents ahead of congestion pricing that is expected to start in a few months.
"Congestion pricing sucks," said State Sen. James Skoufis. "It's outrageous. It's antithesis to really our mission of rebuilding the middle class."
The Democrat has proposed Orange County residents get a discount for taking the Gov. Cuomo-Tappan Zee Bridge like those who live in Rockland and Westchester counties.
He tells News 12 there will be negotiations to try to get it into the final state budget.
"We're not trying to invent or reinvent a new wheel here. We're just trying to get Orange County included in this already existing discount program," said Skoufis.
As News 12 previously reported, Skoufis and other lawmakers joined a federal lawsuit by the teachers union to block congestion pricing, which is currently working it's way through the legal process.
The plan will cost drivers $15 to drive below 60th Street in New York City.
The money will go to the MTA for capital improvements.
