End of session shakeup: lawmakers weigh congestion pricing options

Plus: New York City is expected to get the design-build authority it was seeking.

Good afternoon — it’s Thursday, and National Eyewear Day.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024

TODAY’S CAPCON:

• Hochul’s congestion pricing delay shakes up the end of session.

• Lawmakers are now weighing their options, including a lawsuit.

• But others in support are urging a revenue solution instead.

• New York City is expected to get the design-build authority it wanted.

• A Times Union investigation on police pursuits is out.

🔨 Is Tomorrow a Session Day? Not scheduled, but yes.

🌞 Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Rain, low 60s. New York City: Rain, around 70. (National Weather Service)

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Assembly session Thursday. (Will Waldron/Times Union)

🏛️ Hochul’s congestion pricing decision shakes up end of session

✋ Lawmakers had mixed reactions, but the timing wasn’t great.

Picture this: it’s Tuesday evening and you’re a member of the state Legislature. You’re tired but hopeful because the end of this year’s legislative session is in sight.

Sure, you’ll probably have to stay in Albany beyond Thursday, leadership tells you, but that’s worth it if you’re able to get a few bills passed before you leave for the year.

• You go to sleep feeling ready to face Wednesday and beyond.

But then you wake up and learn Gov. Kathy HOCHUL has thrown a wrench in those plans by announcing an indefinite delay of one of the state’s major environmental programs in New York City.

🚘 Enter congestion pricing, which has sucked the oxygen out of the Capitol since Hochul’s decision was made public through news reports.

Lawmakers opposed to Hochul’s decision have expressed frustration about the announcement — because of the decision and when she made it.

Hochul met with Senate Majority Leader Andrea STEWART-COUSINS and Assembly Speaker Carl E. HEASTIE Wednesday evening to discuss her move. 

• I’m told it did not go well.

• Hochul offered in exchange to support legislation she isn’t currently going to bat for, like the NY HEAT Act.

“If you can figure out who’s making the decisions down there, let me know,” one Democratic lawmaker told me Thursday, referring to the governor’s office on the second floor of the Capitol.