D'Esposito Opposes Congestion Pricing As MTA 'Bail Out'

WANTAGH, NY — Congressman Anthony D'Esposito is the latest politician to oppose congestion pricing for commuters into the city.

The first-term lawmaker is putting it into the record by introducing a resolution against the MTA plan.

Approved earlier this month by the MTA board, drivers would face up to $23 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street.

"Commuters should not be forced to bail out the MTA for countless years of mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility," D'Esposito (R-Island Park) said in a statement. "Congestion pricing is a slap in the face to my constituents, who already must navigate record high inflation, increasing property taxes, and MTA fare hikes."

D'Esposito said the plan will not only affect New Yorkers, but it will affect those commuting throughout the tri-state area.

Leaders from New Jersey and Staten Island announced this week they will join a lawsuit against the proposed congestion pricing.

"It's time for leaders in Albany to go back to the drawing board and stop taxing their way out of problems of their own creation," D'Esposito said.

The resolution acknowledges the severe economic burden the proposed congestion pricing would pose on small businesses and recommends that the state conducts and makes publicly available an economic impact report on the program.