Empire State Today

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt recently shared his perspective in an op-ed published by the New York Post, focusing on Governor Kathy Hochul's policies affecting drivers. Ortt recalls the year 2006 when the New York State Thruway Authority imposed a commuter tax on I-190 drivers, which he describes as burdensome for many Southtowners commuting to Buffalo.

At that time, gas prices were high, and families faced financial difficulties. The toll was unpopular and seen as unfair. A coalition of business leaders, local officials, and residents called for change. Among them were Hamburg Town Board member Kathy Hochul and business leader Carl Paladino, who successfully sued the state to remove this tax. Hochul gained recognition as a supporter of working-class families and commuters.

Ortt contrasts this past with what he sees as a political shift in Hochul's current role as governor. He criticizes her support for what he terms one of the most regressive taxes in state history: congestion pricing. This policy involves charging drivers an additional $9 toll starting January 5th to enter Midtown Manhattan.

Ortt argues that this measure comes at a challenging time when essential costs are rising, impacting working families while the city recovers from the pandemic. He suggests that Hochul is no longer advocating for financially struggling commuters seeking to maintain their livelihoods.