ALBANY, N.Y. - More than two dozen local business leaders are testified in Albany on Wednesday, speaking out against the New York Thruway Authority's proposed 45 percent toll increase for trucks.
The bi-partisan legislative hearing took place Wednesday morning inside ths Alfred E. Smith building after the Thruway Authority refused to schedule a public meeting in the Capital District.
One after another, local business leaders outlined the impact a toll increase would have on the local economy.
David Golub, with Price Chopper, says the proposed 45 percent toll increase for truckers would directly impact consumers by driving up already high food prices. Similar sentiments were held by the New York State Farm Bureau.
All testimony from Wednesday's hearing is being compiled and sent to both the Thruway Authority and the governor's office.
The Thruway Authority denied requests for a local public forum, choosing instead to host three mandated meetings elsewhere in the state. The agency was not at Wednesday's hearing and it is an example of the arrogance that Assembly Member Steve McLaughlin says needs to end.
The Thruway Authority is set to vote on the toll hike at the end of the month.
NEWS10 ABC
