Allegations Against Governor Hochul
Republican officials are claiming that New York Governor Kathy Hochul plans to reverse her stance and increase taxes after the upcoming November election, similar to how she handled congestion charges following the 2024 campaign.
As she campaigns for re-election this fall, Hochul has dismissed New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s appeals for higher taxes on the wealthy to help mitigate the city’s budget deficits.
Yet Republicans argue that voter trust in Hochul has waned, citing her shift on congestion pricing policy as a significant factor.
“After Hochul was elected, she pivoted to congestion pricing,” remarked Bruce Blakeman, a Republican gubernatorial candidate. “I believe that she will similarly increase taxes, affecting not just the wealthy but, potentially, all middle-class households through elevated utility bills, increased commuting costs, and hidden fees.”
Michael Tanoussis, chair of the Staten Island Republican Party, criticized Hochul’s previous decisions, saying, “Last year, Governor Hochul stole from taxpayers by first suspending congestion pricing and then reinstating it just after the elections. There’s little reason to think she won’t do the same regarding a tax hike come November.”
The general sentiment among Republicans seems to be caution. “Voters beware,” they advise.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority had intended to start the congestion pricing plan in June 2024. However, after facing backlash from communities dependent on cars due to the lack of subways, Hochul announced with significant fanfare that the initiative would be suspended.
Some Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, requested that Hochul reconsider her new fees in an effort to protect party candidates in upcoming Congressional elections, as mentioned in an earlier report.
Following the 2024 elections, congestion pricing was reinstated, which requires a fee for entry into Midtown south of 60th Street, with the charges officially starting in January of the subsequent year.
“If you’ve been fooled once, shame on you. If you’ve been fooled twice, well…” said Queens Republican City Councilwoman Joanne Arriola. “Hochul did it with congestion pricing. She’s likely to do it again with taxes.”
Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis suggested that Hochul should commit to a tax-free pledge, although she expressed skepticism about it. “I think her past actions show she cannot be trusted,” Malliotakis stated, referring to the congestion charges and their impact on New Yorkers.
State Senator Andrew Lanza echoed these sentiments, characterizing Hochul’s record as indicative of her future actions regarding tax increases. “In my view, the Democratic Party’s policies, including taxes, are the primary causes of New York City’s rising cost of living,” he noted.
A spokesperson for Hochul tried to address these concerns, asserting, “The governor has made it clear that he will not raise taxes simply for the sake of it.”
They added that New Yorkers can trust Hochul to pursue affordable policies, mentioning a child tax credit, a tax exemption on tips, and a record tax cut for the middle class, which is expected to yield nearly $1 billion in tax relief starting this year.
