Senator Marcellino Announces Legislation To Ease Commuters Financial Burden

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset) today announced he has introduced legislation (S.1309) to ease the financial burden on commuters and to help get cars off the road. "This legislation is designed to protect public health and the environment by encouraging greater use of our rail systems, and less use of motor vehicle travel, through a deduction for commuter rail transportation," said Senator Marcellino.

This bill would give commuters up to a $2,000 tax deduction on their state taxes for a year’s ridership. A commuter is defined as someone who uses the rail system at least one hundred twenty-five days during the taxable year.

"New York State's commuter rail system is not only an asset to relieving traffic congestion and parking pressure, but also to saving energy and reducing pollution. With ridership declining on the Long Island Rail road it is important that we offer incentives to encourage people to ride the rails," said Senator Marcellino.

Motor vehicles are the single most significant source of carbon monoxide emissions in New York State. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has estimated that automobiles are responsible for over 90% of carbon monoxide pollution and 50% of the ozone precursors that contribute to smog in New York State. The contribution of pollution from automobiles will remain the same or get worse as more New Yorkers choose to drive more often in the future.