Petition tells NJ lawmakers: Tax Corporations, Not Commuters

In response to fare hikes approved by New Jersey Transit’s board, a petition sponsored by Democrats for Change is demanding that state legislators prioritize taxing corporations over burdening commuters with increased fares.

The 15 percent fare hikes have sparked widespread outrage and concern among New Jersey residents.

NJ Transit officials argue that the fare hikes, set to begin on July 1 followed by a three percent annual increase in subsequent years, are necessary to address the agency’s budget deficit.

Critics argue that they unfairly target working families and exacerbate economic inequalities.

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla expressed strong opposition to the fare increases, calling them a “backdoor tax on working families” and urging board members to reconsider their decision. Commuters like Stephanie Martinez and Gloria Mills voiced their frustration, highlighting the impact on daily life and the disproportionate burden on urban and minority communities.

Simultaneously, the petition draws attention to the $1 billion tax cut awaiting the state’s top 2% most profitable businesses, including giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Bank of America. Instead of granting further tax breaks to these corporations, the petition calls for the restoration of the corporate surcharge to fully cover NJ Transit’s projected deficit.

“The petition argues that investing in public transportation is not just about convenience but is crucial for economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and social equity,” said Lisa McCormick, a Democrats for Change leader who was a candidate for US Senate in 2018 “It tells lawmakers to prioritize fair and equitable funding solutions that do not place an undue financial strain on commuters.”

Progressive organizations are rallying behind the petition, viewing it as a powerful tool for expressing public dissent and demanding accountability from elected leaders. The petition, available online at https://www.democratsfor.us/njtransit2024, urges New Jersey lawmakers to support policies that tax corporations, not commuters, and to work towards a transportation system that serves the interests of all residents.

“Our petition represents a growing movement calling for a fundamental shift in economic priorities, to create a more accessible, affordable, and sustainable public transit system for New Jersey,” said McCormick.