Rep. Mickey Sherrill, D-N.J., called out New York as it prepares to implement a controversial new congestion pricing tax for commuters on Saturday.
The congestion pricing program goes into effect Sunday, but Sherrill says the tax is nothing more than an attempt to “fund (the Metro Transportation Authority) at the expense of New Jersey commuters.”
“This new tax will raise costs for New Jersey residents, while also worsening traffic and increasing pollution in New Jersey as commuters do their best to find more affordable routes to New York,” Sherrill wrote.
“I refuse to sit while New York uses New Jersey's workforce as a meal ticket for the MTA,” she added. “And I will continue to fight to move companies to the Garden State, expand office sharing locations, and make it easier for New Jerseyans to work remotely.”
Federal judge rules on congestion pricing in New York City; Interpretation varies between parties
Sherrill is among a long list of Democratic candidates running in New Jersey's governor's race this year.
The congestion tax went into effect Sunday despite the efforts of New Jersey state officials, who have filed a lawsuit seeking to block implementation on the grounds that New York has not adequately investigated environmental impacts.
NYPD makes arrest in fatal stabbing of on-duty postal worker
Gordon ruled on Friday that there was no basis for postponing the death toll.
Traffic moves through downtown Manhattan on April 21, 2023 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
MTA President Janno Lieber applauded the ruling, noting the potential benefits of congestion pricing.
“We've been studying this issue for five years, but it only takes about five minutes if you're in midtown Manhattan to see that New York has a real traffic problem,” Lieber said at a news conference. “I realize there's been a lot of controversy around this program, and there's a lot of people who are concerned about the impact of congestion pricing. For them, I want to say the goal is to make the city better for everyone.”
The Empire State Building and the tourist area along the way to New York City on August 17, 2022, in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/VIEWpress)
Congestion pricing is expected to generate billions in revenue for the upgrade New York Transportation infrastructure, but has faced criticism from New Jersey officials and commuters who say it places an unfair burden on people driving from outside New York.
Some riders may face daily fees of up to $22, which may include current toll fees Port Authority crossings.
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly said he intends to block the plan after he takes office later this month.
Fox News' Landon Munn contributed to this report.
