WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today applauded a provision in the Senate surface transportation bill that would restore the full mass transit commuter tax benefit. The Senate bill would increase the pre-tax set aside from $125 to $240 per month, retroactive to Jan. 1. The mass transit benefit helps thousands of New Jerseyans defray their commuting costs. The bill could be voted on in the Senate as early as today.
“This is great news for New Jersey’s bus and train riders. Restoring the mass transit commuter benefit would help thousands of New Jerseyans who are tired of putting so much of their paychecks into getting to and from work,” Lautenberg said. “Mass transit boosts the economy, reduces dirty auto emissions and takes cars off our congested roads. We fought hard to include this provision in the bill so that transit riders can enjoy the same benefits as drivers. I’m pleased that this bill finally appears poised for Senate passage, and I urge the House to follow suit and approve this bill immediately.”
The 2009 Recovery Act allowed mass transit riders to set aside up to $230 of pre-tax income a month to help cover commuting expenses. Since the increased tax benefit expired in January, mass transit riders have been able to set aside at most $125 per month. The surface transportation bill would increase the mass transit tax benefit to $240 per month, on par with the amount people who drive to work are now eligible to set aside for their parking expenses.
The Senate could vote as early as today on the surface transportation reauthorization bill. It must then be approved in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
