File #: Res 0683-2007    Version: * Name: Congress to increase the cap for pre-tax qualified public transportation benefits to $205 per employee per month.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Transportation
On agenda: 1/9/2007
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to increase the cap for pre-tax qualified public transportation benefits to $205 per employee per month.
Sponsors: John C. Liu, Gale A. Brewer, Lewis A. Fidler, Helen D. Foster, Sara M. Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Darlene Mealy, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., David I. Weprin
Council Member Sponsors: 9

Res. No. 683

 

Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to increase the cap for pre-tax qualified public transportation benefits to $205 per employee per month.

 

By Council Members Liu, Brewer, Fidler, Foster, Gonzalez, Jackson, Mealy, Recchia Jr. and Weprin

 

                     Whereas, Public use of mass transportation is critical in reducing traffic congestion and pollution, and programs which promote the use of such transportation should be encouraged; and 

Whereas, Current federal law allows entities to permit their employees to use a certain amount of pre-tax earnings for commuting expenses, which enables such individuals to enjoy certain personal income tax benefits; and

Whereas, Specifically, current federal law allows employees to use up to $205 in pre-tax earnings per month for commuter parking, and up to $105 per month for qualified public transportation; and

Whereas, Local Law 18 of 2000 was adopted by the Council of the City of New York in order to enable New York City employees, in accordance with federal laws, to use pre-tax earnings to purchase qualified public transportation benefits; and

Whereas, Although allowing such use of pre-tax earnings for commuting both encourages the use of mass transportation and saves commuters a substantial amount of money every month, certain commuters, particularly those who ride the Long Island Rail Road, the Metro-North Railroad, or express buses, are at a disadvantage, since their monthly commutes may cost significantly more than the $105 in pre-tax earnings they are currently allowed to use; and

Whereas, Many mass transportation advocates believe that public transit commuting benefits should be made equivalent to commuter parking benefits, in order to ensure that this transportation benefit program maintains an equitable incentive structure; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon United States Congress to increase the cap for pre-tax qualified public transportation benefits to $205 per employee per month.

 

 

LS #2161

RK 12/22/06