Spadea praises trump administration for killing congestion pricing 'gouging'

TRENTON, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea on Wednesday applauded President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for halting New York’s congestion pricing plan, calling it a victory for New Jersey commuters.

“Thank you, @POTUS and @SecDuffy, for stopping the congestion pricing cash grab by Kathy Hochul and New York,” Spadea wrote on social media. “Here in NJ, Democrats like @RepJoshG still can’t get over their TDS and thank President Trump for this big win for New Jerseyans.”

In a video statement, Spadea, who is campaigning for governor, criticized congestion pricing as a “ridiculous idea of further gouging” drivers. “We knew that President Trump had all of our best interests in mind,” he said. “Way to go, guys.”

The congestion pricing plan, which took effect this year, charges vehicles entering Manhattan’s Central Business District, with revenue directed toward the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. New Jersey officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy, had opposed the plan, arguing it unfairly targeted New Jersey commuters.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also applauded the Trump administration, but his ally across the Hudson, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, is vowing to fight Trump to restore the toll tax.

“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their efforts to halt the current congestion pricing program in Manhattan’s Central Business District.

“While I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not unfairly burden hardworking New Jersey commuters, the current program lines the MTA’s pockets at the expense of New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.

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