Empire State Today

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed approval following the U.S. Department of Transportation's decision to terminate New York's congestion pricing program. The NFIB, which represents over 11,000 small business members in New York, shared a statement from its State Director Ashley Ranslow regarding the announcement.

"The announced federal blocking of New York’s MTA congestion pricing scheme is very welcome news given the ongoing cost of living and affordability crisis plaguing the state, including small business owners," Ranslow stated. She highlighted that the proposed congestion pricing tax would have added $9 for passenger cars and nearly $22 for trucks, exacerbating financial challenges for residents and businesses in the New York City area.

Ranslow pointed out that small businesses below 60th Street and those outside the congestion zone faced increased costs for goods and services due to these potential taxes. This situation could have reduced their profit margins and led to higher consumer prices. Additionally, she criticized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for its history of financial mismanagement while pushing for high taxes.

She further noted that a significant majority of voters last November viewed the cost of living as a major issue. Small businesses were already struggling with inflation, rising utility bills, increased gas prices, and numerous new mandates and regulations. "The decision by U.S Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to block this unaffordable tax hike was exactly the right choice for small businesses and all New Yorkers who live or work in the Metro Area," Ranslow concluded.

The NFIB has been advocating for small businesses across America since its founding in 1943. It operates as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated solely to supporting independent business owners nationwide.