Democrats Block Measure To Repeal Congestion Pricing And Audit The MTA

Senate democrats had a chance to vote to end the congestion pricing tax scam this morning but instead sided with the elitist and corrupt MTA against hard working New Yorkers,” said Deputy Republican Leader Andrew Lanza. 

Democrat members of the Senate Committee on Transportation today blocked legislation sponsored by Senator Jack Martins to repeal congestion pricing and audit the MTA. The bill was placed on the agenda per a motion for committee consideration made by Senator Martins, and voted down by Senate Democrats. 

The bill (S.533) would have put an end to congestion pricing – the punitive tax levied on drivers coming into Manhattan – and also required an audit of the MTA in an effort to restore fiscal sanity, transparency and accountability to the historically mismanaged agency.

“This bill would have eliminated congestion pricing once and for all, while also requiring the MTA to undergo an independent audit. It is simple and straightforward. While it is disappointing that the bill did not make it out of committee, I appreciate the bipartisan support the legislation received from members of the MTA region. Rest assured, we will continue to work to increase transparency and reduce costs for Long Islanders,” said Senator Jack M. Martins. 

“Senate Democrats had the opportunity to stand with New Yorkers by supporting a full repeal of congestion pricing and demanding real accountability from the MTA—but they chose to protect a broken and bloated system instead. Congestion pricing is nothing more than a tax on commuters, small businesses, and families who have no other option. Repealing it and auditing the MTA isn’t partisan—it’s common sense,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri–Fitzpatrick.

“Once again, the Senate Democrats are standing in the way of common sense and fiscal responsibility. By not allowing this bill to move forward, the Democrats are content to continue to hit New Yorkers in the pocketbook to fund the MTA, without any demand for fiscal accountability,” said Senator Dean Murray. 

This legislation is critical to restoring needed transparency and fiscal accountability to the MTA, while providing residents and commuters with needed relief. The defeat of this bill is a clear indication that Albany is unwilling to hold the MTA accountable and would rather find new ways to fund the mismanaged authority on the backs of already hard pressed Long Islanders,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo.

“This legislation offered a real, actionable path to expose where the billions sent to the MTA are going—and Senate Democrats killed it to protect the status quo. Every vote against this commonsense bill is a vote for deception, waste, and corruption. Congestion pricing is a shameless cash grab that punishes everyday New Yorkers—parents taking their kids to doctor appointments, families enjoying a day in the city, first responders, and union workers who keep the city running. The message from Albany Democrats is clear: they’d rather side with a mismanaged bureaucracy than fight for transparency, accountability, and relief for hardworking commuters,” said Senator Steve Rhoads.

“It's outrageous that Albany Democrats continue to stand behind congestion pricing, despite the financial harm it causes many New Yorkers, including residents of my district. If the MTA truly had its house in order, as it claims, it would welcome an audit. Kudos to my colleague Senator Jack Martins for standing up for transparency and responsible government. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for those who rejected these commonsense measures today,” said Senator Bill Weber.