Hip-pocket issue

[emka]

I know what a hip pocket is, but what is a hip-pocket issue? A minor issue, like a small rear pocket?

Here is the sentence (mayor thinking loud about tolls on a bridge):

Later, he acknowledged that tolls were a highly political, divisive and hip-pocket issue.

I can't find anything on Google, just a few other articles where this term is used, but I can't guess from context what it means.

[bhaisahab]

I know what a hip pocket is, but what is a hip-pocket issue? A minor issue, like a small rear pocket?

Here is the sentence (mayor thinking loud about tolls on a bridge):

Later, he acknowledged that tolls were a highly political, divisive and hip-pocket issue.

I can't find anything on Google, just a few other articles where this term is used, but I can't guess from context what it means.

I would guess it means a financial issue.

[emka]

Thanks.
Initially, I had this idea, too, because pocket usually refers to money (out of pocket/hit in the pocket). But then the sort of money people usually carry in their pockets is small change or maybe a thin purse with a few bills, yet this is about really big money.

Maybe some more posts will bring new insights.

[bhaisahab]

Thanks.
Initially, I had this idea, too, because pocket usually refers to money (out of pocket/hit in the pocket). But then the sort of money people usually carry in their pockets is small change or maybe a thin purse with a few bills, yet this is about really big money.

Maybe some more posts will bring new insights.

Your hip pocket is where you notionally carry your wallet with all your cash, cards etcetera.

[emka]

Ha, ha. I got it. A typical case of gender-specific perception.
As I would never carry my wallet or purse with cash, cards etc. in my hip pocket (because it would bulge and it would disfigure my behind), this interpretation would not have occurred to me.
But yes, it seems more likely now. Business and especially finance has traditionally been a male domain, hence this expression.

[SoothingDave]

Tolls, like for a bridge or toll highway, are usually small denominations. But they do add up and can be a big issue for people who have to pay them, usually twice a day.

A $2.50 toll twice a day is $100/month.