LaLota Applauds Trump’s Termination of Hochul and NYS Dems’ Commuter Tax
WASHINGTON D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration terminated approval of New York’s Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP).
"President Trump's decisive action to eliminate Governor Hochul and the New York State Democrats' commuter tax fulfills his commitment to enhancing affordability for my constituents, marking a significant victory for suburban commuters. By protecting hardworking families from an undue $2,000 annual burden simply for commuting to work, President Trump is ensuring a more sustainable cost of living for Long Islanders," said Rep. LaLota. "The commuter tax imposed by New York State Democrats was a blatant scheme to fund Governor Hochul’s inflated MTA budget at the expense of Long Island’s working families and small businesses. It unfairly targeted our residents who depend on their vehicles for livelihood. It's the government's duty to foster policies that bolster—rather than burden—our community's economic well-being."
Background:
In January 2025, LaLota introduced a Resolution expressing opposition to the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City. The letter expresses concern about the negative economic impact on suburban commuters, particularly those from Long Island, and urges state and federal agencies to halt the implementation of the program until a full economic analysis is conducted.
The Central Business District Tolling Program is part of New York City’s broader congestion pricing plan, which charges vehicles for entering Manhattan's Central Business District below 60th Street. New York Governor Hocul’s plan for congestion pricing began on January 5, 2025.
In November 2024, LaLota, former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, and Reps. Garbarino, Lawler, and Malliotakis sent a letter to President Trump requesting an end to the planned implementation of the congestion pricing.
The Resolution expressing opposition to the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City was first introduced in 118th Congress by former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) and was cosponsored by Thomas Kean (R-NJ), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Marcus Molinaro (R-NY), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY), Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Brandon Williams (R-NY), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).