Tedisco Calls on Legislature to Take Control of Tolls on NYS Thruway and Pass His Bi-Partisan Bill S.173 for Veto Power Over any Increase

Senator Jim Tedisco, a long-time critic of the Thruway Authority’s habit of operating as a rogue government agency, today blasted the proposed 5 percent Thruway toll hike for EZ-Pass users and whopping 75 percent increase for non-EZ-Pass motorists who must rely on the Thruway to drive to work, medical appointments, shopping and take their kids to school.

Tedisco is calling for passage of his bi-partisan legislation, S.173/A.5953, to require legislative approval for any Thruway toll increase.  The measure is being sponsored in the Assembly by Democratic Majority Member Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor).

“The Thruway Grinch is back! New Yorkers already have it tough this holiday season with the highest inflation in over 40 years causing higher prices for gas, home heating, groceries, computers, automobiles, lumber and just about every good and service.  The last thing they need is a giant lump of coal under the Christmas tree in the form of higher Thruway tolls – especially for those who can least afford it, our middle-and-lower-income drivers,” said Senator Tedisco.

“It’s time for my colleagues in the legislature to put their big kid’s pants on and pass my bi-partisan legislation to stop the toll madness and take control of toll hikes, which are just another form of tax increases, out of the hands of the unelected bureaucrats in the Thruway Authority and give power back before the people’s representatives in the Senate and Assembly,” said Tedisco.

“There’s no question a toll hike will lead to higher consumer prices and a significant, negative impact on local communities and local roads in terms of safety and wear and tear as more cars and trucks will drive on municipal roads to avoid the tolls,” said Tedisco.

“New York State didn’t fulfill the original promise to eliminate Thruway tolls altogether. Now the state has a responsibility to taxpayers to keep tolls in check and at a reasonable level,” added Tedisco.