Statement by Senator Bill Larkin on the Thruway Toll Increase Proposal

"I am adamantly opposed to the proposed plan by the Thruway Authority to increase certain commercial tolls by 45 percent.  Just when the state is making strides to show the business community we are serious about making New York business-friendly, the Thruway Authority goes out of its way to stifle certain sectors of our business economy. 

I am very concerned that trucking companies and especially farmers won't be able to cover the increased costs of doing business without passing the toll hikes on to consumers.  We need to start encouraging our small businesses, not making it more difficult for them to stay in business. 

I urge the Thruway Authority to rethink this drastic mistake and find other ways to balance their finances without curbing business in the state."