Labor Unions, Transit Advocates, and Grassroots Organizations Call for Sustainable Revenue. Millionaire’s Tax

Newark, NJ — On Thursday a coalition of labor unions, transit advocates, and grassroots organizations will gather to respond to the legislature’s budget proposal at Newark Penn Station. Two weeks before the deadline, the legislature proposed a budget that appears to increase funding for NJ Transit without including long term revenue sources to back up their funding projections. While it’s clear there is a need for more funding, the legislature cannot let the funding of this program fall on the backs of commuters and working people. Governor Murphy has proposed a budget that increases funding to NJ Transit through tax fairness and investing in critical infrastructure. Included in Governor Murphy’s budget is increased funding to NJ Transit, with no new fare increases for New Jersey’s 1 million commuters. Instead, Governor Murphy’s budget institutes a Millionaire’s Tax — ensuring tax fairness by beginning to close income inequality for New Jersey’s middle class.

WHAT: Labor unions, transit advocates, and grassroots organizations respond to the legislature’s budget proposal

WHERE: Newark Penn Station: 1 Raymond Plaza West & Market St, Newark, NJ

WHEN: Friday, June 21st, 10:00AM

Under Chris Christie, the legislature passed budgets that drastically cut NJ Transit’s funding over 90%. For example, in FY 2015 the legislature passed a state budget that only allocated $33.2 million in funds, which was a decrease from $60.3 million the year before. The funding cuts to NJ Transit has led to the following:

1. 36% higher fares for commuters

2. Demonstrably poorer service in bus and rail operations

3. Inability to keep up with the need for environmentally friendly public transportation

Some of the same legislators calling for more funding for NJ Transit — only two weeks away from the budget deadline — were not vocal about securing more funding under Chris Christie, and still voted for his harmful budgets. Legislative leadership should heed calls for a Millionaire’s Tax, as well as look for other sustainable sources of revenue that could meet NJ Transit’s funding needs and help restore service to all of New Jersey.

While the investment in public transit from the legislature looks good on paper, after 8 years of intentional mismanagement and underfunding, a long term plan for recovery — not simply a one year solution — is necessary. Governor Murphy’s budget comes closest to that long term plan with sustainable revenue and an upwards trajectory for NJ Transit in terms of funding and service. The legislature’s budget seems to rely on one year, short term gimmicks — the opposite of what New Jersey’s commuters need — including taking from the state’s surplus and reducing the state’s rainy day fund, both of which are critical to New Jersey’s overall fiscal health.

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