Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-20) released the following statement regarding congestion pricing:
“I am indignant that Governor Hochul has decided to restart her efforts to implement congestion pricing in lower Manhattan. The residents of my district and the surrounding region should not be forced to take on the unbearable costs to enter New York City so that New York State can fund a subway system that they haven’t even bothered to collect fares on for years.
“I call upon Governor Murphy to immediately take action to cause New York State to end these efforts. New York has been and continues to be a partner on many important issues – but this unilateral cost increase upon New Jersey drivers is critically important. The Governor must consider all options necessary, including the vetoing of NY/NJ Port Authority Minutes, New Jersey’s share of jointly-funded projects, and open-dialogue with the incoming Trump Administration
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New York’s recent decision to implement congestion pricing has sparked controversy and garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders. One individual who has expressed strong displeasure with this decision is Assemblyman Angel Quijano.
Quijano, a vocal critic of the congestion pricing plan, believes that it will have negative consequences for residents and businesses in New York. He argues that the plan unfairly targets working-class individuals who rely on their cars to commute to work, as they will now have to pay a hefty fee to drive into certain parts of the city during peak hours.
In a statement released to Insider NJ, Quijano stated, “Congestion pricing is a regressive tax that will disproportionately impact low-income communities and small businesses. It is unfair to penalize hardworking individuals who have no other option but to drive into the city for work.”
Quijano also raised concerns about the potential economic impact of congestion pricing on businesses in New York. He believes that the added cost of driving into the city could deter customers from visiting local shops and restaurants, ultimately hurting small businesses that are already struggling to survive in a post-pandemic economy.
Despite his strong opposition to congestion pricing, Quijano acknowledges the need for solutions to address traffic congestion and improve air quality in New York. However, he believes that there are more equitable ways to achieve these goals without burdening working-class individuals and small businesses.
As New York moves forward with its congestion pricing plan, it is clear that there are strong opinions on both sides of the debate. While some believe that congestion pricing is a necessary step towards reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, others like Assemblyman Angel Quijano remain staunchly opposed to the plan, citing concerns about its impact on vulnerable communities and local businesses. Only time will tell how effective congestion pricing will be in addressing these issues and whether alternative solutions will be considered in the future.