U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5th) has a proposal to deal with the latest congestion pricing plan in New York City. He’s working with state lawmakers to push a new bill that would keep workers in New Jersey and avoid the high-cost toll. The measure incentivizes New York City-based businesses to open new offices in New Jersey.
“The idea that you would raise any fees for anybody right now, any tolls, any taxes for these folks right now, is totally outrageous,” Gottheimer said. “So I would ask Governor Hochul and ask the mayor what gives? Why are you so focused on this? Have you so mismanaged the finances of the MTA that you need to stick it to Jersey?”
Gottheimer and state lawmakers are developing a “Stay in Jersey” campaign that, under the Economic Development Authority’s Grow NJ program, would offer tax incentives to any New York business that creates a hub in Jersey.
“It’s our task now to encourage businesses to recognize the benefits of being in New Jersey and to get the ball rolling on relocation efforts,” said Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-Passaic).
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has said the congestion pricing will have a positive environmental impact on the city, by reducing car traffic that has already returned to pre-pandemic levels, but Gottheimer says it’s incredibly short-sighted because of the double tax on New Jerseyans.
