They call them the “Long Island Six.” Six Democratic State Senators who recently got elected to seats long held by Republicans. And now they are standing together against a congestion pricing plan being pushed by the governor and the mayor.
“In its current form, I cannot support it,” said State Senator Kevin Thomas. “I want to make sure that the money is broken down in such a way that Long Island gets a reasonable and fair portion.”
The plan would charge a fee to vehicles entering Manhattan below 61st Street. The money would then be used to fund the MTA, particularly the ailing subways.
But while supporters aren’t calling it a tax, critics say that is exactly what it will be for those driving into Manhattan.
“Our concern is that we want to make sure it’s not all for the city,” said State Senator Jim Gaughran. “We want to make sure we are getting our fair share. Because one the problems we are having is because of issues with Long Island Rail Road is forcing many of our constituents to now drive into Manhattan because of the unreliability of the service sometimes.”
Governor Cuomo went on the attack against the Long Island Democrats after the Amazon deal fell apart earlier this month. He claimed they should not have allowed Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to appoint Queens Senator and Amazon critic Michael Gianaris to an obscure board that could have blocked the Amazon deal.
Sources say that led to divisions between city and suburban members.
“I don’t think there were any fault lines between suburban and city members,” Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “The reality is that we are legislators. We all represent districts, but we all represent the interests of New York State simultaneously.”
Some have accused Governor Cuomo of sowing the seeds of division within the Democratic Senate conference.
“I hope that is not the intention.” Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “But whether it is or isn’t our conference is as strong as it has ever been.”
And it’s not really a slam dunk in the Assembly either. Democrats are said to be divided on the issue. And while the mayor's endorsement may help win members over, a harder sales job will need to be made by supporters over the next few weeks.
Crucial Long Island Democrats Throw Cold Water on Congestion Pricing Proposal
PUBLISHED February 27, 2019 @10:02 PM