(LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK) – Several Union Leaders joined Elected Officials and those representing area community organizations during a press conference held last week in opposition to the Congestion Pricing Initiative.

As the Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) begins a public education campaign to promote the imminent return of congestion pricing, opposition is increasing and demonstrations are planned.

The implications for Long Island commuters, businesses and local delivery services continues to be a concern of New York State Legislators.

According to State Senator Anthony Palumbo, the press conference spotlighted “two industries that would be affected by the ill-conceived congestion pricing plan - labor and agriculture.”

The group protested the imposition of an additional hidden tax on New Yorkers.

Thousands of New Yorkers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to rethink her backing of the Congestion Pricing Plan and are calling on the State Legislature to repeal or halt the program.

“Governor Hochul and New York’s Democrat Leadership are once again looking to Long Islanders to bail out the MTA.  The Governor paused this tax only long enough to get past Election Day.  It is a slap in the face to struggling Long Islanders to ask them to once again pay higher taxes just to get to work.  Now more than ever, Long Islanders needed relief.  Instead, they got deception and higher taxes,” Senator Palumbo said. 

Vincent Gaynor, who serves as a Business Agent for Local 638 Plumbers & Steamfitters, spoke at the news conference, saying: “Our Brothers and sisters are already struggling with inflation and cost of living and this is just another tax that is going to get passed along to the hard-working Middle Class Workers of New York.” 

United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew said: “Governor Hochul heard the concerns of educators and ordinary New Yorkers that this plan for congestion pricing just shifts pollution, congestion and costs onto already struggling communities.”

New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said: “The Governor made the right call here.  The congestion tax is not only a burden on Police Officers and other essential commuters - it’s bad for public safety.  A congestion tax would mean even fewer Cops on the streets.  New Yorkers can’t afford that.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Opposition to Congestion Pricing Continues – LaborPress