Congestion pricing remains, for now. Published reports said the Trump administration has extended today’s deadline to stop the tolling system that launched January fifth. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on social media the DOT is giving New York a 30-day extension as discussions continue. Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA have vowed to fight to keep the tolling system, which they say has done its job of encouraging commuters to use mass transit and collect more revenue for the MTA.
O&R Gets Go-Ahead to Raise Rates
Get ready for your power bill to go up. If you are an Orange and Rockland customer, thank the New York State Public Service Commission, which yesterday the company said in a press release, voted to approve new three-year delivery rates for O&R’s electric and natural gas services. The company said the decision establishes a three-year rate plan through the end of 2027. Average monthly electric bills for residential customers using 600 kilowatt hours per month will go up 4.6 percent this year, 3.3 percent next year, and 3.5 percent in 2027. Average monthly total gas bills for the same customers using 100 cubic feet per month would increase by 10.9 percent this year, 3.5 percent next year, and 3.8 percent in 2027.
SSA Targets Hudson Valley Offices for Closure
Calling it “a slap in the face to thousands” Rockland’s Congressman is demanding answers from the head of the Social Security Administration which has targeted not one, but two Hudson Valley Offices for closure. The Associated Press reported dozens of offices around the country could be shuttered thanks to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and the Trump administration’s effort to cut the size of the government. The SSA offices in White Plains and Poughkeepsie are on the list slated for closure. Rockland Congressman Mike Lawler of the Hudson Valley’s 17th district, which encompasses the White Plains office, isn’t happy about the plan. In a statement, Lawler said the office “handles over 2,000 backlogged cases and conducts hundreds of in-person hearings every year,” and to ask everyone “to go to Lower Manhattan, New Haven, the Bronx, or Goshen is completely unacceptable.” Lawler said Westchester offered an alternative site, but the SSA said “no thanks.” The AP noted these closings come at a time when new requirements for stricter proof-of-identity measures are being implemented to prevent fraud and abuse. Millions of people will have to visit agency field offices instead of just calling in on the phone.
RBA Luncheon Interrupted by Protestors
Yesterday’s Rockland Business Association luncheon was briefly interrupted by protesters who called out Rockland Congressman Mike Lawler who was the event’s guest speaker. That’s according to The Journal News. About a dozen protesters entered a conference room at the Hotel Nyack, unfurled a banner that read “Elon’s Puppet” and had “Climate Defiance” across the bottom, while chanting “Lawless Lawler.” After a brief scuffle the protesters left, with Lawler commenting, quote, “They’re upset because they didn’t win an election…I really don’t give a BLANK.” Despite rowdy responses at GOP town hall meetings across the country lately, Lawler has announced he plans to hold public meetings throughout the 17th District, however specific times and dates haven’t yet been set.