Rep. Mike Lawler Criticizes Governor Hochul Ahead of State of the State Address

By Y.M. Lowy

Yesterday, on the day of Governor Hochul’s State of the State address, Rep. Mike Lawler sharply criticized her record, highlighting issues such as state spending and the handling of the MTA.

Lawler pointed out that New York’s budget has grown to $90 billion since Hochul took office and expressed frustration over her spending priorities, including congestion pricing.

“Governor Hochul has wasted billions of taxpayer dollars propping up the corrupt MTA and sheltering illegal immigrants, all while gouging hard-working New Yorkers with congestion pricing,” Lawler declared. “She’s charging New Yorkers for the privilege of driving to work while funneling our tax dollars into benefits for immigrants.”

Lawler continued, criticizing what he called “failed, incompetent leadership” at the top. “Kathy Hochul is a failed governor who needs to be replaced in 2026,” he said, speaking from the state Capitol. 

Lawler also challenged recent MTA data, claiming the figures released for one week in January were misleading when compared to the average commute for the entire year. He argued that the new $9 toll had little to do with reducing congestion.

“If the goal were truly to alleviate congestion, the focus would be on making the subway safe, eliminating non-traffic uses of streets like outdoor dining, and syncing traffic lights to improve flow,” he said. “But this is not about reducing congestion—it’s about making money.”

He further criticized the MTA’s management and recent data, arguing the new $9 toll has little to do with congestion relief. “This is about making money, not reducing traffic,” Lawler said. He suggested the MTA should rethink its spending, including the $4 billion used for illegal immigrant benefits.