Gottheimer announces new ‘Stay in Jersey’ campaign to fight back against New York’s proposed congestion tax
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) Wednesday announced a new “Stay in Jersey” campaign to urge all Jersey residents who used to commute to New York City every day prior to the pandemic, but then worked from home or a local office as the region recovered, to keep working from Jersey.
Gottheimer called on all NYC-based businesses to encourage and promote New Jersey workers to stay and work from Jersey, and not make their Jersey-based employees go back to their long, expensive daily commute. Gottheimer also called for the State to provide new “Stay in Jersey” tax incentives to New York businesses that open up new regional office hubs for Jersey residents to work from full or part time. Gottheimer is working closely with State Senator Joe Lagana and Assemblyman Chris Tully, who are drafting “Stay in Jersey” legislation.
By avoiding the expensive tolls, the cost of parking and gas, and New York’s proposed congestion tax, Jersey commuters will save nearly $20,000 a year to “Stay in Jersey.” Additionally, Jersey commuters will have less stress and more productivity from not driving hours into New York City.
Staying and Working in Jersey Means:
- Saving on Expensive Tolls. It’s a $16 dollar-a-day toll to use the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel to get into New York — more than $4,000 a year for a Jersey commuter.
- Saving on Parking and Gas. Parking in New York City and gas combined can cost more than $10,000 a year.
- Avoiding Outrageous Congestion Tax. New York’s proposed tax on Jersey drivers who commute into the city is a regressive and punitive congestion tax that will likely cost more than $5,000 a year for driving to work in Manhattan — hitting hard-working middle-class families.
- More Time for Family. Saving two and a half hours of commuting means more time spent with family and friends.
- Less Stress and More Productivity. New Jersey ranked second in the nation for most workers with 60+ minute and 90+ minute commutes. Harvard Business Review found that short commutes, like working from home or near the offices, increases innovation and productivity.
- Protecting Our Clean Air. Fewer cars traveling the hours to and from New York will reduce pollution from the commute.
- Supporting New Jersey’s Small Businesses & Economy. More dollars will go towards supporting Jersey’s small businesses, including local restaurants, diners, real estate, dry cleaners, gyms, and more.
- Creating Jobs in Jersey. More businesses setting up shop in Jersey will lead to job growth, including for the hardworking women and men of labor. Realtors will find the space and small businesses will benefit from more people working from Jersey.
“We have so much going for us in Jersey. We have beautiful downtowns with great restaurants, stores, and malls, and everyone knows we have the best pizza and bagels in America. Not to mention our schools, lakes, beaches, cops and firefighters. New York City doesn’t hold a candle. We know our neighbors and recognize the friendly faces around town. Jersey is home,” Gottheimer said. “When you add it all up — the expensive tolls, the cost of parking and gas, and the congestion tax — Jersey commuters would save $20,000 a year to Stay in Jersey. And, most importantly, staying here and working from Jersey will give you more time with your family, make it easier to get home to see the kids at night or catch their baseball game, and save two and a half hours of often frustrating commuting time and lost productivity every day. Plus, by working in Jersey, it’ll even be easier to find time to grab coffee with a friend, see your doctor, or go to the dentist.”
“Proud to work on this new legislative effort alongside Congressman Gottheimer and my colleagues, Senator Lagana and Assemblywoman Swain. Together we must fight against New York City’s Congestion pricing scheme to help hardworking residents work and stay in New Jersey. This effort will help families save money and time while boosting our local economy,” said NJ Assemblyman Chris Tully.
“As realtors, we sell more than just homes. We’re selling New Jersey as the place to live, work, and raise a family, and because of the hard work of our representatives like Congressman Gottheimer, our job is much easier,” said Michael Oppler, Chief Operating Officer for Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty and New Jersey Realtor. “New Jersey, and specifically here in Bergen County where I both live and practice real estate, is one of the best places for families and workers. We are lucky to have a Congressman who works hard to provide our state with the resources we need to be one of the best places to live.”
Gottheimer was joined today along a main route into New York City by past Chairman of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association and owner of Mahwah Bar & Grill Craig Kunisch, Chief Operating Officer for Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty and New Jersey Realtor Michael Oppler.
