President-elect Donald Trump is signaling strong support for New York Republicans in their efforts to abolish the city’s controversial congestion pricing scheme and to adjust the limits on state and local tax deductions. In a recent meeting held at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump expressed his commitment to stand against the congestion tax that has drawn criticism from residents and lawmakers alike.
During the Saturday evening meeting with Republican members of New York’s House delegation, Trump was clear about his stance. Staten Island Representative Nicole Malliotakis noted that he wants to eliminate the congestion pricing tax entirely. Fellow New York Congressman Mike Lawler echoed this sentiment, stating, “He did agree it’s got to go,” underscoring the President-elect’s willingness to help dismantle what many see as an unfair financial burden on New Yorkers.
The congestion pricing plan, which has recently begun charging drivers a $15 toll for entering Manhattan below 60th Street, has been met with widespread discontent. Critics argue that this tax punishes those who need to drive into the city for work or other essential activities. As Trump prepares to take office, he has made it clear that he intends to advocate for New Yorkers who feel overtaxed by local leadership, particularly by city and state officials who many believe are treating taxpayers like cash machines.
In addition to opposing the congestion pricing, Trump also voiced his support for lifting the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. This cap currently limits taxpayers to deducting only $10,000 in state and local taxes from their federal taxable income. Lawler reported Trump’s enthusiasm for reforming this cap, explaining, “He’s fully on board with lifting the cap on SALT.” Malliotakis added that Trump recognizes the challenges faced by residents under the current limits, calling it “abuse” by state officials.
Despite their optimistic discussions, Republican leaders understand the challenges that lie ahead. They do not expect to completely eliminate the SALT cap but are aiming to raise it to provide some relief for taxpayers. The hope is to work out a new figure that better serves the needs of New Yorkers who are feeling the crunch from high taxes.
This aligns with a broader movement among House Republicans to incorporate changes to the SALT deduction as part of a legislative package, which may also look to renew some of the tax cuts introduced during Trump’s previous administration under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It is seen as a necessary step to alleviate the financial pressures on residents, who have been increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with local policies.
The recent implementation of the congestion pricing toll has only intensified these discussions. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) began rolling out toll charges that amount to $15 for drivers, and these fees are poised to affect many commuters adversely. The plan went into effect on January 3, after a federal judge dismissed attempts to block its initiation, signaling the MTA’s strength in pushing through this tax against substantial legal challenges.
Malliotakis and fellow representatives remain hopeful that the Federal Highway Administration, under Trump’s influence, could potentially untangle the authorization of this congestion pricing program. They believe that constructive changes can still be made to protect the interests of residents who are already burdened by high costs of living and taxes in New York.
The landscape in New York is shifting, and with an incoming administration willing to support local GOP lawmakers, residents may soon have a voice in re-evaluating and possibly overturning policies that have left many feeling frustrated and financially strained. The next few months will be crucial as these discussions evolve and Republicans strive to deliver on their promises to the constituents of New York.
