State leaders slam Thruway toll hike proposal

The Thruway Authority will be asking its board to approve a toll hike that would begin in 2024. The Thruway Authority says it needs the increase to help update aging infrastructure, but some state leaders disagree with the toll hike proposal.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara says this proposal will put more financial stress on families across the state.

“It’s unacceptable. It’s outrageous. Clearly, the New York State Thruway is out of touch with the times we are living in. That’s why I think the Legislature needs to step in,” Santabarbara said.

Shocked to see Thruway Authority come out with an outrageous toll hike proposal today while families struggle with inflation, rising costs. Clearly they’re out of touch with the times we’re living in—that’s why I’ve introduced a new bill to enact a much-needed toll hike freeze. pic.twitter.com/ydgpibElAq

— Angelo Santabarbara (@AsmSantabarbara) November 30, 2022

Santabarbara is proposing a toll hike freeze.

“I would say it’s a bipartisan proposal. I think members of both sides would proposal my bill,” Santabarbara said.

In a statement, Republican Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt also disagrees with the toll hike proposal.

“This year-end surprise is cowardly and just plain wrong. I am calling on the governor to immediately shelve this new tax on driving, and reject any more toll hikes on already struggling New York families,” he said.

NYers are struggling to provide for their families, yet unelected bureaucrats appointed by the Governor are moving to siphon more $$ away from them.

A Governor who cares about families facing record high inflation would shelve this plan immediately.

My statement👇 pic.twitter.com/GsT88d8FTU

— Rob Ortt (@SenatorOrtt) November 30, 2022

The toll hike proposal will officially be presented to the board during a meeting on Monday.

The board will have to hold public hearings on the plan before it can ultimately vote to accept or reject it.