Originally, the toll was going to be $15, but Hochul decided to pause the tax in June of 2024. That decision wasn’t made for the benefit of the citizens, that it would burden, she paused the tax so it would not hurt other Democrat candidates running for office.
She briefly disguised it well, calling the tax “unaffordable” and stating that working-class New Yorkers couldn't handle another financial burden.
Democratic elected officials from Queens to Staten Island supported her enthusiastically.
State Senator Monica Martinez praised her for stopping a toll that would "drive residents, businesses, and workers out of the city."
Assembly member David Weprin, a Democrat, described it as "a massive financial burden on everyday New Yorkers.”
However, after Trump won the election, Hochul’s disposition changed, and her TDS kicked in. Yes, she lowered the tax to $9, a token adjustment that still punishes New Yorkers, to the tune of $2,300 per year, and then, vengefully, she set it to take effect on January 5, 2025.
New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt stated it clearly:
"Her decision to pause enactment of this plan until Election Day was safely in her rearview mirror further proves her phony 'pause' was done to protect vulnerable Democratic candidates, not overburdened New Yorkers."
This week, Hochul removed all doubt. She openly bragged to a crowd of onlookers, obnoxiously crowing:
"We will continue to stand up to the Trump administration and say, 'That ain't going anywhere, Mr. President! We are keeping our congestion pricing!'"