In a recent Siena College poll, suburban voters expressed significant support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to pause the controversial congestion pricing scheme. The poll, conducted last week just after the New York State legislative session concluded, revealed that 56% of suburban voters back the pause. These voters hail from Long Island, as well as Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland Counties.
Legislative Pushback and Poll Results
The pause came abruptly last week, just days before lawmakers ended their session in Albany. This decision followed intense debate and a last-minute attempt by Hochul to raise taxes to compensate for the expected revenue shortfall due to the halted congestion pricing. The legislative pushback was substantial, culminating in Hochul’s decision to delay the implementation of the toll.
The pause has sparked considerable backlash from progressive politicians, including City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander, who is leading a group preparing to sue in an effort to compel Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to proceed with the congestion pricing plan.
Despite the outcry from some quarters, the Siena poll indicates that only 23% of respondents opposed the pause. This represents a shift from earlier this year when a more significant proportion of respondents, 63%, voiced opposition or partial opposition to congestion pricing.
Suburban Support and Broader Approval Ratings
While suburban voters are supportive of Hochul’s decision to delay the toll, their overall sentiment towards the governor remains lukewarm. According to the poll, 52% of suburban respondents hold an unfavorable view of Governor Hochul, a sentiment mirrored across the rest of the state outside New York City.
“Despite strongly supporting Hochul’s decision to put congestion pricing on hold, and even more strongly supporting the social media bill she championed, voters now give Hochul the lowest favorability and job approval ratings she’s had in nearly three years as Governor,” remarked Steven Greenberg, a pollster from Siena College.
This dip in approval ratings positions Hochul behind President Joe Biden, who received a 42% approval rating from those surveyed.
Poll Methodology and Context
The Siena College poll included responses from 805 individuals statewide, reached via landline, cell phone, and an online panel, and carries a margin of error of 4.1%. The timing of the poll, conducted in the wake of the legislative session’s end and the sudden announcement of the pause, underscores the heightened emotions and political stakes surrounding the congestion pricing issue.
Looking Forward
As the debate over congestion pricing continues, the political landscape remains fraught with tension. Hochul’s decision to pause the toll has clearly resonated with suburban voters, yet her broader approval ratings suggest she faces significant challenges ahead. The impending legal battles and ongoing political discourse will likely keep this issue in the public eye, shaping the future of New York’s transportation policy and economic strategies.
