It was a delight to see democratic Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader (by a whisker), use the phrase ‘build the economy for the working class,’ as a goal, through bipartisan legislation. We’re not sure why, but his address to congress struck a chord with many we spoke with this past weekend. Maybe it’s the way he said it …. maybe it’s because he didn’t look like a sore loser, as the democrats still don’t have control of the house. He handled it well. He grew up here, deep in Brooklyn, and his New York roots make him a leader who will do a lot more to bring the two parties together than has been done in a generation. Our sources in Congress say that he is pretty well respected by both parties. We pointed out in this column a few months ago that Jeffries has a good deal to do with Hochul putting a pause on congestion pricing. Our sources tell us that his team knew the constituents in his district are against congestion pricing. Now it’s here. Nothing has changed. Brooklynites are still against it. He could get challenged in his district in two years. We know that Trump has promised to nix CP. Jeffries could be the hero if he signs on.
