Automobile group to host fundraiser for Hochul after congestion pricing delay

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) recently announced an indefinite pause on her Manhattan congestion pricing plan. Just days after she announced the delay, an automobile association against the toll announced they will be hosting a fundraiser for Hochul.

The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association is holding a June 11 fundraiser for Hochul’s reelection campaign with $5,000 and $10,000 suggested donation amounts. A flier released before Hochul’s decision called her “a staunch supporter of our industry.”

The group donated $18,000 to Hochul’s campaign in July 2023, having been serial donors to her and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. GNYADA has donated cumulatively $419,000 to both governors since 2008.

In a February email to subscribers, the group noted its opposition to the plan.

“This lawsuit underscores concerns that the plan could harm businesses and employees within the proposed pricing zone, where nearly all Manhattan GNYADA dealers are located,” the email stated, noting the legal opposition to the plan. “GNYADA submitted comments to the MTA in September opposing the plan spotlighting the consequences for dealers and the thousands of people they employ.”

The fundraiser and the group’s previous support for Hochul creates an obvious conflict of interest for the governor that could further dismay groups who opposed her delay of the plan. Many groups applauded the plan’s projected contributions to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the city’s main transit body. It would’ve also likely cut down on traffic in the city and had an environmental effect.

The congestion pricing plan would’ve cost passenger cars $15 every time they entered parts of Manhattan during peak hours, and $24 to $36 for trucks and buses. Hochul deemed it too steep a charge for now.

“Let’s be real: A $15 charge may not seem like a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a hard-working middle-class household,” Hochul said.

Detractors of the plan slammed the cost it would impose on New Yorkers, and Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) said it could redirect pollution from New York to New Jersey.

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The fundraiser will take place at the Center for Automotive Education & Training in Queens.

The Washington Examiner contacted Hochul’s office and the auto group but did not receive a response.