Matawan Takes Formal Stance Against Proposed NYC Commuter Tax

The Council voted unanimously Tuesday to pass a resolution in opposition of a proposed New York City commuter tax.

The tax, which was repealed in 1999 after being in effect for 33 years, is a tax placed on the income of people who work in New York City but live elsewhere, according to an article in the New York Times.

The revival of the tax, according to the New York Times article, is being led by Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer. Stringer told the Times that he believes the tax is necessary to create a steady stream of revenue that will assist the city in maintaining and improving public transportation rather than using fare increases to do so.

Even though Stringer is working to impose the tax, it cannot go into effect without the approval of the New York state legislature.

According to the resolution passed by Matawan on July 17, the borough received information regarding the proposed tax and opposes the financial impact it would have on commuters.

"Matawan understands that many residents... are commuters who travel to New York City for work every day and that they would be adversely affected financially," the resolution states. "The 301,702 residents of the State of New Jersey and surrounding tri-state area would be forced to endure yet another tax during these difficult economic times."

Matawan Mayor Paul Buccellato explained that the proposed New York City commuter tax would be in addition to income taxes levied on those who live outside New York state but work there. 

"[The resolution] supports commuters that live in Matawan but work in the city that will be adversely affect if it's implemented. We're support eliminating this unfair tax that the city wants to place on the residents of Matawan," Buccellato said.

Formal copies of the resolution will be sent to Stringer, the New York state legislature, and neighboring New Jersey municipalities.