Dear Editor:
The New Jersey General Assembly has spoken loudly and clearly on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s recent proposal to impose a wage tax on New Jersey residents who work in the city. Having bipartisan support, the Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the New York State Legislature and Governor to reject the commuter tax.
The 250,000 New Jersey residents who work in New York City already pay a hefty amount of taxes to the State of New York. Under the Mayor’s plan, a New Jersey resident who annually earns $100,000 in New York City would pay $2,400 in commuter taxes. That is extremely burdensome in these troubled times.
I fully understand the city has budget problems. But when we encountered record-high budget shortfalls here in New Jersey this year, we did not resort to raising income taxes. Bloomberg should take the same approach.
I believe a reinstitution of the NYC wage tax on New Jersey residents who commute to the city would impair the commendable, overwhelming spirit of cooperation that has existed between New Jersey and New York City in the region’s recovery from the September 11 terrorist attacks. Moreover, I believe the imposition of a commuter tax will undermine efforts to reinvigorate our sluggish regional economy.
Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed wage tax on New Jersey commuters is a slap in the face to our residents. It makes as much sense as creating a tax on Broadway tickets for New Jersey theater goers.
I strongly urge Mayor Bloomberg to find a creative regional strategy to meet New York City’s considerable financial challenges. His divisive and simplistic approach will, in the long run, hurt New York and its recovery efforts.
Elba Perez-Cinciarelli