STATEMENT: Senator Kristen Gonzalez Responds to Pause on Congestion Pricing

For Immediate Release:

The Governor’s decision to unilaterally delay congestion pricing is irresponsible,  anti-democratic, and unjust to the people of New York City, who deserve exceptional public transit and clean air. 

I  take public transit daily,  and as the Senator of a 3-borough district, my district is uniquely impacted by this policy. While I was not in office when part of the initial decision to pass the legislation was made, my focus during my entire time in office has been on street safety and increasing MTA funding and accessibility. MTA funding is necessary for critical infrastructure, including disability upgrades.  

It is irresponsible of the Governor to delay funding for these planned improvements, which are necessary to bring one of our country's most critical transportation systems up to the standards our neighbors deserve. What’s more concerning is that she had no clear plan to address this $15 billion deficit.  

Make no mistake: a payroll tax will negatively impact working-class New Yorkers. Low-income New Yorkers who live in or travel to the CRZ deserve real solutions that include improved public transit and that don’t disproportionately burden them. 

Organizing around this issue will require more than a statement. We need a clear plan to fund the MTA and to get congestion pricing right. It is imperative that we work towards reducing our dependence on cars and addressing the persistent issue of congestion. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and efficient transportation system that benefits all. 

We must do everything in our power to support our city's transportation infrastructure and the communities it serves. I have always been a staunch advocate for MTA funding, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our public transit system remains a top priority. We will not get there by going around the state legislature and unilaterally imposing a tax on those least able to afford it, as the Governor has suggested. Our systems of government are meant to be democratic, and this is anything but. 

Press Contact: veloso@nysenate.gov