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To the editor:
Wishing not to hand Republicans a talking point in an election year, Governor Kathy Hochul delayed implementation of congestion pricing. Now that the plan has been rescheduled to this coming January, GOP criticism has resumed.
Most prominent in the fight is Hudson Valley U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, which is understandable as he represents those who closely border NYC. Lawler refers to the plan as “a cash grab.” I have news for Lawler, that is what capitalism is — a “cash grab.” Congestion pricing is pure capitalism: To control excess demand for a popular commodity, you raise the price. Manhattan roadway space is very popular, particularly during work hours. Charging for that space, at its most desirable time, is about as capitalist an approach as there is.
Hochul has taken the wrong approach. She compares the cost of congestion pricing for New Yorkers to Donald Trump’s elimination of SALT deductions, saying his tax scam costs us more than her pricing scheme.
Hochul should be attacking Lawler’s and Trump’s actions as socialist, giving away government resources for free and placing taxes on taxes. When Lawler debated his Democratic opponent, Mondaire Jones, Lawler said of Jones’ support for capping insulin at $35, “Leave it to an avowed socialist to praise price controls.” I would now ask Lawler why he favored a “cash grab” of sick Americans, but now opposes that same principle for his wealthy constituents?
Joseph Cannisi
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