President-elect Donald Trump voiced his disapproval of Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to reintroduce congestion pricing for cars entering specific areas of New York City, calling it the “most regressive tax known to womankind,” he told The NY Post on Thursday.

The Democratic governor has proposed a daily $9 fee after an initial attempt to impose a $15 toll was scrapped following significant pushback from middle- and working-class residents.

“I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to Make New York and America Great Again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” said Trump, 78.

He went on to criticize congestion pricing as a failed policy, especially in a city that is still in recovery. “It has never worked, but especially so with a city, town, or village that is trying to come back from very rough times, which can certainly be said of New York City. It will put New York City at a disadvantage over competing cities and states, and businesses will flee.”

Trump argued that his administration’s tax relief policies, aimed at easing financial burdens on workers and retirees, would be undermined by this toll, which he claims would hit the financially vulnerable hardest.

“Not only is this a massive tax to people coming in, it is extremely inconvenient from both driving and personal bookkeeping standards. It will be virtually impossible for New York City to come back as long as the congestion tax is in effect,” he said.

“It will hurt workers, families, and businesses, but in particular, anything to do with jobs. It is the most regressive tax known to womankind (man!).”

During a press conference later on Thursday, Hochul reacted strongly to Trump’s comments, offering a pointed response aimed at his incoming administration.

“In your first days in office, don’t eviscerate the public transportation system, help us,” she said. “Fix that first before you say a word about what I’m doing.”

She continued, suggesting that the federal government could assist financially, calling it a “shared goal” to provide New York City with a “world-class transit system.”

Although Trump and Hochul have clashed in the past, the two recently shared a cordial phone call following Trump’s Nov. 5 victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Hochul, 66, also has the authority to pardon Trump for his May conviction on 34 counts related to business record falsifications tied to 2016 hush money payments—should the case not be dismissed outright by Judge Juan Merchan before sentencing.

Trump’s tax reform agenda includes proposals to remove the $10,000 cap on the federal State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, a limitation that heavily impacts New York residents, as well as plans to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits.

Hochul’s updated congestion pricing strategy aims to consider the impact on low-income individuals, though implementing these measures could be challenging.

The revised plan introduces a 50% discount for people earning under $50,000 per year, which would activate after ten trips in a single month.

Positioned as a solution to reduce both traffic congestion and pollution from idling vehicles, Hochul presented the $9 toll as a more affordable alternative to the previous proposal.

“This lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually, and that kind of money makes a big difference for our families,” Hochul said.

The revenue generated would support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates New York’s subway system, bus routes, and commuter rail networks, including the Long Island Rail Road.

The tolls would apply within a zone called the Congestion Relief Zone, covering Midtown and Lower Manhattan below 60th Street.

Some Democrats from the surrounding region remain opposed, notably New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, whose administration filed a lawsuit last year arguing the initial plan was unconstitutional, citing the Commerce Clause, which assigns the federal government authority over interstate commerce.

It is unclear if the Trump administration plans to join Murphy’s lawsuit or pursue its own legal action to halt the congestion pricing.

{Matzav.com}