Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D.N.J.) criticized New York state as it prepares to introduce a controversial new congestion toll tax for commuters on Saturday.
The congestion pricing program comes into effect on Sunday, but Sherrill insists the tax is “nothing more than an attempt to defray transportation costs.” [Metro Transportation Authority] On the backs of New Jersey commuters. ”
“While this new tax will raise the cost of living for New Jerseyans, it will also worsen New Jersey’s traffic conditions and increase pollution as commuters go out of their way to find more affordable routes to New York,” Sherrill wrote. .
“I will not remain silent as New York State uses New Jersey’s workforce as a meal ticket for the MTA,” she added. “And I will continue to fight to move businesses to the Garden State, expand office-sharing sites, and make it easier for New Jerseyans to work remotely.”
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Sherrill is one of a long list of Democratic candidates vying for New Jersey governorship this year.
The congestion tax went into effect Sunday despite efforts by New Jersey officials, who filed a lawsuit seeking to block enforcement on the grounds that New York state had not adequately studied its environmental impacts.
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Premier Gordon ruled on Friday that there was no basis to delay toll collection.
Traffic passing through downtown Manhattan on April 21, 2023 in New York City. (Spencer Pratt/Getty Images)
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised the ruling, pointing to the potential benefits of congestion pricing.
“We’ve been studying this problem for five years, and it only takes about five minutes if you’re in midtown Manhattan to realize that New York actually has a transportation problem,” Lieber said at a press conference. Ta. “I know there has been a lot of discussion about this program and many people are concerned about the impact of congestion pricing. That’s what I want to say.”
The Empire State Building and tourist district along the route to New York City on August 17, 2022 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/VIEWpress)
Congestion pricing is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue to modernize New York’s transportation infrastructure, but New Jersey officials and commuters say it unfairly hurts people who drive from outside New York City. The government has faced criticism for imposing heavy burdens on the government.
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Some commuters could be hit with fees of up to $22 per day, including existing fees for passing through the Port Authority.
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly said he intends to block the plan after he takes office later this month.
FOX News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.
Anders Hagström is a reporter for Fox News Digital, covering national politics and major breaking news. Send your tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or Twitter:@Hagstrom_Anders.
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