Ocean Township, NJ — Following reports of New York State’s decision to tax commuters entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan, Legislative District 11 General Assembly candidates Mike Amoroso and Matt Woolley call on Governor Murphy and the Democrat-controlled legislature to work with New York State officials to provide financial relief to New Jersey residents who are already burdened with high commuting fees and multi-state income tax requirements.

Amoroso and Woolley will advocate for New Jersey commuters, challenge regressive fees and surcharges, and fight for reliable and affordable mass transit.

“Governor Murphy and our current Democratic legislators must combat this additional fee, which won’t even fund projects that benefit New Jersey commuters. Thousands of Monmouth County residents travel to and from Manhattan for work on a daily basis, yet Assemblyman Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Downey remain silent on this issue,” said Woolley.

No other city in the United States has congestion pricing. Under the agreement, the implementation of congestion taxes would begin in 2021. Fees are estimated to be in excess of $12 per car per entry to fund $15 billion in capital projects, which would primarily focus on improvements to the New York City subway system.

Amoroso continued, “New Jerseyans are once again penalized for working to support themselves and their families. Our residents cannot continue to serve as the main financier of public improvement projects in other states.”

In addition to excessive tolls, increased gasoline costs and proposed congestion pricing, New Jersey residents who work in New York are required to file tax returns in both states. Unlike with Pennsylvania, New Jersey does not have a tax reciprocity agreement with New York.