Norton’s Bill to Expand Mass Transit Commuter Benefits Included in Tax Extenders Bill Passed by Senate Finance Committee Today

WASHINGTON, DC – The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton announced that Norton’s bill to expand federal tax benefits for mass transit commuters, and to encourage commuters to use mass transit by equalizing tax benefits for mass transit and parking, was included in the tax extenders bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee today. Norton, the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Highways and Transit Subcommittee, said she is especially pleased that the Senate bill contains a two-year extension of the program, through 2015, building on the one-year extension she proposed when the budget deal did not extend mass transit benefits. Norton is also pleased that tax benefits for bike sharing commuters were also included in the bill. Norton strongly supports a permanent authorization of expanded mass transit benefits, which she originally cosponsored.

As part of the “fiscal cliff” negotiations in 2012, Congress increased the commuter benefit amount to $245, but this amount decreased on December 31, 2013 by nearly 50%, to $130, while the benefit for parking increased to roughly $250. The bill would revive and increase the commuter benefit to $250, equalizing it with the benefit for parking.

“I am relieved we were able to get the mass transit benefits provision included in the bill, but we have to work to get Congress to pass the larger tax extenders bill,” said Norton. “Millions of people use mass transit to commute in and out of cities every day, bolstering their economies and improving the overall wellbeing of the country. This city and region are prime examples of the benefits of mass transit and the absurdity of preferential treatment of driving.”

Published: April 3, 2014