Politics

• Mar 17, 2008 6:48 pm US/Eastern
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  State In Flux: Congestion Pricing On Back Burner?

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State In Flux: Congestion Pricing On Back Burner?

Bloomberg Meets With Paterson, But Plan Momentum Stalls

ALBANY (CBS) ― Scores of politicians came to kiss David Paterson's ring Monday, but only one scored a public photo-op.

When you represent the city that drives the state's economic engine you get special privileges, a photo with the new governor.

"Eli Manning couldn't this many photos," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

But despite the big smiles and cordial relations between the mayor and new governor, it's clear the looming financial crisis could mean that New York City could get less than it wants from the state.

"While we'd like to see …" state Comptroller William Thompson said.

Bloomberg was cryptic about what he asked Paterson for, including his prized congestion pricing.

"You can rest assured I talked to all the legislative leaders, but I'm not going to talk to you about it," Bloomberg said.

But New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine said with the nation on the brink of recession, now is not the time to impose the kind of extra tax burden that goes along with congestion pricing.

"Raising the cost of things in a recession is difficult," Corzine said. "It's a difficult damp down for people already struggling."

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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