Kathy Hochul Gaslights New Yorkers Over Manhattan Toll ‘Savings’

Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan that she claimed would save New Yorkers 40% on tolls paid for driving into Midtown Manhattan — but left out the fact that her proposal was also a 100% increase from the current toll rate: $0.

Hochul explained during a press conference that the new plan — which would charge drivers $9 to enter Manhattan’s central business district via roadways — represented a 40% decrease in tolls from the $15 that was initially scheduled to take effect.

WATCH:

.@GovKathyHochul: “We’re saving you 40%” by starting to charge $9 to enter Manhattan instead of $15 as we originally planned; “this lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually.” pic.twitter.com/rOWLY963j8

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) November 16, 2024

“From day one I have made affordability for New York families a top priority. I always have and I always will fight to put more money in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “That’s why, back in June, I stood up on behalf of hardworking families and simply said no. No to a new $15 congestion toll that at that particular time was just too much.”

MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+

Hochul went on to explain that the high cost of living due to inflation — largely caused by other Democrat policies — meant that families were already struggling to pay for groceries and rent, and adding a $15 toll had seemed excessively burdensome to her.

“Launching a toll that high really would have hurt a working mom or a working dad trying to make ends meet,” Hochul continued. “Especially someone driving in from a transportation desert or far from outside the center of the city.”

The solution, Hochul said, was to charge a $9 congestion toll instead. The goals were to simultaneously reduce traffic congestion and fund mass transit in the city, and $9 was the amount Hochul described as “no more than absolutely necessary” to accomplish those goals.

“You heard me correctly,” Hochul said of the toll set to take effect in January. “It was $15 and now it is $9, that is a 40% reduction. “This lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually, and that kind of money makes a big difference for our families.”

Hochul failed to mention that because the current toll is $0, the new rate will cost daily commuters more than $2000 annually.

“I was going to rob you and then kill you but I’ve decided to only rob you, which means I have saved your life,” The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh posted.

I was going to rob you and then kill you but I’ve decided to only rob you, which means I have saved your life https://t.co/uFctwtUGPR

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) November 17, 2024

“Woman shopping logic applied to taxes is insane,” Joel Berry added.

Woman shopping logic applied to taxes is insane https://t.co/694BpA2eow

— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) November 17, 2024

“She must think NY voters are really dumb,” Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume remarked.

She must think NY voters are really dumb. https://t.co/oxNFO11uNg

— Brit Hume (@brithume) November 17, 2024

“Hochul left out the part about this $9.00 toll charge for entering Manhattan representing a 100% INCREASE. As compared to the $0.00 toll amount charged prior to June 2024,” another added.

Hochul left out the part about this $9.00 toll charge for entering Manhattan representing a 100% INCREASE.
As compared to the $0.00 toll amount charged prior to June 2024. https://t.co/btxbRLR36H

— Tom T. ن‎ ???????? (@VRWCTexan) November 18, 2024

“They want you to praise them from extorting you a little less than they originally planned,” RedState’s Bonchie said.

They want you to praise them from extorting you a little less than they originally planned. https://t.co/N2BB9GrJYe

— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) November 17, 2024