Senator Fuschillo: If Washington Can’t Do It, Then Albany Must

Calls on Assembly to Approve Legislation to Restore State’s Mass Transit Benefit for Commuters Before Session Ends

      “It’s been six months since commuters saw both their federal and state mass transit benefits cut nearly in half because Congress failed to approve the necessary extension. With no signs of the federal partisan gridlock letting up, Albany needs to accomplish something in which Washington has shown little interest: repealing this nearly fifty percent tax increase and restoring these savings for hard working commuters.

     The Senate has already passed legislation I sponsor to fully restore the state’s mass transit benefit and allow commuters to immediately exempt up to a total of $240 a month from state income tax to cover mass-transit expenses. The Assembly needs to act on this legislation before the end of session on Thursday.

     Washington has failed our commuters through its continued inaction on this issue. By passing this legislation, the Assembly can avoid the same mistake and help Albany deliver what Washington has not; a result.”

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is Chairman of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee.