NJ Dem slams New York as controversial NYC congestion pricing takes effect

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., has spoken out against New York’s controversial new congestion pricing tax, which is set to take effect on Sunday. Sherrill argues that the tax is unfairly targeting New Jersey commuters to fund the Metro Transportation Authority (MTA).

“This new tax will raise costs for New Jerseyans, while also worsening traffic and increasing pollution in New Jersey as commuters seek more affordable routes into New York,” Sherrill wrote in a statement. “I refuse to sit back as New York uses New Jersey’s workforce as a meal ticket for the MTA. 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.”

Despite efforts by New Jersey officials to block the implementation of the congestion tax, a federal judge ruled on Friday that there was no basis to delay the toll. MTA Chair Janno Lieber praised the ruling, highlighting the potential benefits of congestion pricing.

“We’ve been studying this issue for five years, but it only takes about five minutes in midtown Manhattan to see that New York has a real traffic problem,” Lieber said at a news conference. “The point of congestion pricing is to make the city better for everybody.”

Congestion pricing is expected to generate billions in revenue to modernize New York’s transit infrastructure. However, it has faced criticism from New Jersey officials and commuters who believe it unfairly burdens those driving in from outside of New York. Some commuters could face daily charges of up to $22, in addition to existing tolls for Port Authority crossings.

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his intention to block the plan once he takes office later this month.

In conclusion, the implementation of congestion pricing has sparked controversy between New York and New Jersey, with Rep. Mikie Sherrill leading the charge against what she sees as an unfair burden on New Jersey commuters. The battle over congestion pricing continues as New York moves forward with its plan to address traffic congestion and modernize its transit infrastructure.