REMARKS
Council Member Chris Banks opposes congestion pricing toll plan
0:34:24
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121 sec
Council Member Chris Banks delivers remarks strongly opposing the recently implemented congestion pricing toll plan in New York City. He argues that the plan unfairly burdens working and middle-class New Yorkers, small business owners, and commuters who depend on their cars.
- Banks contends that the plan will worsen congestion in outer boroughs and hurt small businesses.
- He emphasizes that for many, cars are a necessity, not a luxury, especially in transit-poor areas.
- Banks pledges to continue fighting for working-class families, small business owners, and commuters, calling for a plan that addresses congestion without punishing those who can least afford it.
Chris Banks
0:34:24
Thank you, madam majority leader.
0:34:26
This week, the congested price and toll plan was implemented, and I'm strongly opposed to it as it imposes another tax on the working and middle class New Yorker.
0:34:37
While proponents claim it will reduce traffic and fund tragic improvements, the reality is that it unfairly burdens those who can least afford it.
0:34:48
Working class New Yorkers, small business owners, and the commuters who depend on their cars.
0:34:55
New York is the one city is one city, and we should not divide our neighborhoods with a inter borough toll with inter borough tolls that only worsen inequality.
0:35:06
For many, a car is a necessity, not a luxury.
0:35:10
Public transit is a viable option for everyone.
0:35:14
Isn't a viable option for everyone, especially those in the outer boroughs.
0:35:18
This plan will worsen congestion in those neighborhoods as drivers from transit poor areas search for ways to avoid the toll, opting to park in neighborhoods with better subway access.
0:35:30
Those who can no longer afford to drive will be forced into overcrowded and unreliable subway system that already struggles to meet its demand.
0:35:40
This tax will also hurt small businesses and consumers, many of which who are already struggling businesses will be forced to pass these extra costs onto their consumers.
0:35:51
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this plan threatens their survival.
0:35:58
As a representative of the 42nd council district, one of the city's most underserved communities, I will continue fighting for the working class families and small business owners of our and commuters of New York City.
0:36:12
New York deserves a real plan that addresses congestion without punishing those who can least afford it.
0:36:19
I will work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of those affected are heard.
0:36:24
Thank you.