NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Lawmakers in Nassau County say congestion pricing is going to deeply hurt the residents of Long Island.
They say with many families struggling daily just to make ends meet, congestion pricing may make some people move out of the state.
“When you’re trying to put your kids through school, you’re trying to make your mortgage payments, and then you find the money has to go to Governor Cuomo’s new commuter tax,” said Republican Rep. Peter King.
Assemblywoman Missy Miller has a disabled son who she takes into the city for doctor’s appointments.
RELATED: New York Will Be First US City To Charge Congestion Toll
She said, “Why should we be punished? We should people who have sick loved ones and drive into Manhattan for their treatment have to pay a tax?”
Town of North Hempstead Councilperson Dina Degiorgio was equally frustrated with the new policy, saying, “Small businesses are going to think twice about relocation on Long Island when they have to pay a premium to deliver their goods and services into Manhattan. We pay some of the highest property taxes in the state. This tax will only make things worse.”
RELATED: New Jersey Commuters Worried About Manhattan Congestion Pricing
Their solution to stop people from driving into Manhattan is to improve LIRR service, by adding trains, more parking and ensuring on-time service.