Statement by Senator Tony Avella on Council Member Weprin's comments on NY1's Inside City Hall

"I demand an apology from Council Member Mark Weprin for his outrageous comment made last night on NY1's Inside City Hall. In arguing his support of congestion pricing, he stated that the East River bridges are used by 'rich people' who can afford to drive. This statement completely ignores the small businesses and commuters of all income levels who utilize these bridges on a daily basis and for whom added tolls would be a hardship. While I have been opposed to Move NY's congestion pricing plan from the start, I firmly believe that no matter the route we take, the legislature must take into consideration the middle and low-income New Yorkers who rely on these free bridges day in and day out."