Republican Curtis Swawah’s Mayoral Proposal
Curtis Swawah, the Republican nominee for NYC mayor, has proposed a plan to refund New Yorkers up to $500 for toll expenses incurred while driving to Manhattan’s busy areas if he’s elected.
This “money in your pocket” strategy unveiled on Monday aims to exclude tips from city taxes and introduce a property tax rebate of up to $500 for major co-ops and condominiums occupied by residents.
Swawah intends to cut $8 to $10 billion from the city’s budget, focusing on reducing what he considers “bureaucratic fat” in the Department of Education, setting aside savings to help make life in New York City more affordable.
He emphasized, “This is a way that allows them to actually put money back in people’s pockets and prevents them from being forced to leave for a sustainable income.”
This approach starkly contrasts with the plans of Democrats, particularly those proposed by socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, which Swawah criticizes as being overly reliant on taxation.
Swawah remarked, “I know that Zohran Mamdani’s plan is all about taxes, taxes, taxes, which is driving people away.”
His “City Mobility Rebate” would provide one rebate per household for individuals under 60, capped at $500, for paying tolls to enter the crowded zones of Manhattan.
The unpopular $9 toll system was introduced in April and has been burdensome for many New Yorkers commuting by car.
He expressed that rebates would likely be limited to those earning $150,000 annually, stating, “I’m not worried about billionaires; this is designed for working-class people.”
His proposal mirrors some of President Trump’s efforts, such as the legislation eliminating federal income taxes on various tips, impacting workers like waitstaff and golf caddies.
Swawah’s $500 rebate would target those who can verify payment for city homes, co-ops, or condos, similar to his “no city tax on tips” proposal, which requires state approval.
This rebate resembles the State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program, which aids seniors on fixed incomes.
To fund the “Your Pocket Money” initiative, Swawah plans to audit city agencies and reduce waste in government spending in his first year, with hopes of securing ongoing state funding in future budgets.
He believes the Department of Education’s budget, currently at $41 billion, is set to reach an unprecedented $42,000 per student this academic year.
While Swawah trails behind Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race, he is slightly ahead of the current mayor, Eric Adams.
