Senate Republicans Blast Lawsuit From the MTA in Response to Governor Hochul’s Wasteful Taxpayer-Funded Lawsuit

Albany, NY - Yesterday, members of the Senate Republican Conference stood together to call attention to the lunacy that is a frivolous lawsuit being launched by our out of touch Governor Hochul against the federal government’s decision to halt congestion pricing. As Democrats scramble to pick up the pieces of its plan to fund the money pit that is the MTA, our conference is highlighting legislation to hold the MTA’s feet to the fire. S.533 would fully repeal congestion pricing and commission an independent audit of the MTA. Rather than dipping into your pockets, the Senate Republican Conference is committed to making sure every cent of your money is being spent efficiently.

Republicans have recognized from the start what congestion price really is: yet another burdensome tax on hardworking New Yorkers. Rather than adhere to the will of New Yorkers who did not want congestion pricing to be implemented, the Governor pushed ahead to save her political profile. We join the many Democrats and Republicans who have applauded the move by the President halting this tax to protect the pockets of New Yorkers. This state would rather continue its fixation of wasting your money, this time on legal fees.

“New Yorkers are tired of being Albany’s endless ATM. The Governor’s decision to squander taxpayer dollars defending a failed congestion pricing scheme is both reckless and out of touch. Just weeks ago, the Governor proposed an $8 billion spending increase in her Executive Budget without raising taxes—yet she still chose to slap hardworking New Yorkers with a new $1 billion congestion tax to bail out the MTA. Why burden taxpayers more when the money was already there? This kind of failed judgment and lack of common sense is exactly why people are fleeing our state. Our Conference has been clear—congestion pricing is nothing more than a cash grab. We stand with Democrats and Republicans who support stopping this burdensome policy and will keep fighting to make New York more affordable,” stated Senator Steven Rhoads.

“Congestion Pricing has been a gimmick and a farce from the very beginning. Democrats have tried to sell this as a climate crusade to push a taxing program whose real purpose is to fund the continued mismanagement of the MTA. The MTA should first start enforcing its own fares and crack down on fare beaters ripping off commuters to the tune of nearly $1 billion dollars a year.  So, repeal Congestion Pricing and hold the MTA accountable through an independent audit. We don’t need this tax, we need competent and accountable leadership. New Yorkers, and our Long Island families, who must travel to and from New York City for work, visits and appointments, deserve nothing less. It's that simple,” stated Senator Jack Martins.

"New Yorkers have had enough of the MTA's relentless cash grabs—especially congestion pricing. What the MTA actually needs is a full, top-to-bottom audit of its finances. The Trump administration gave Governor Hochul a lifeline by killing congestion pricing, yet instead of calling to say thank you, she's doubling down with a lawsuit. It's not just economically reckless—it's politically tone-deaf. Have Albany Democrats learned nothing from the latest election results?” stated Senator Bill Weber.

"First the governor says she wants to raise a billion dollars. Then she said traffic is way down. You can't raise a billion dollars if traffic is way down. It's time to stop fleecing the public, make the MTA do its own job and solve its own problems," stated Senator Steve Chan.

“My stance on this issue has not changed. I will continue to advocate for my constituents here in Albany and back home in the 9th Senate District against this flawed policy. We’ve seen the power at the Governor’s disposal as evidenced by her ‘pause’ of the program in June when Congressional Democrats were at risk. We are calling for her to put politics aside and once again use this power to do the right thing, and protect the everyday New Yorker at risk. New Yorkers deserve transparency as opposed to the now-expected games from the left. It's time for real leadership that listens to the voices of those who will be most affected,” stated Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

Now, as the federal government steps in to save New Yorkers drowning in a sea of rising costs, this state expects to use your money to fight for a program that also costs you money. Sure makes a lot of sense right? Wrong. Treating the people of this state like your piggy bank is why this state is in the shape it’s in and sending people running for the exits.

Our Conference stands ready and willing to assist the Federal Government in its efforts to put money back into New Yorker’s wallets and against the crippling, out-of-touch Albany agenda.