DIEGNAN SEEKS TO CUSHION INCREASED TOLL COSTS
FOR NJ DRIVERS
Assemblyman Proposes State Income Tax Credit for Frequent Toll Road Users

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD) - Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., today announced that he plans to introduce legislation this month to provide commuters with an income tax credit to help mitigate the affect of future toll increases.

Diegnan (D-Middlesex) said his bill would provide a direct credit to residents on their state income taxes equal to the amount of annual toll payments made in excess of $100 over any increase which may take effect.

"If tolls are to be increased, New Jerseyans who drive the Turnpike, Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway to-and-from work daily should be protected," said Diegnan.  "We must work to minimize the impact of higher tolls on everyday commuters."

The credit would not be available to commuters who receive reimbursement for tolls from their employer or who can claim tolls as a business deduction on their federal tax returns.

Assemblyman Diegnan said his plan is one way Governor Corzine could ensure regular commuters are not unduly impacted by future toll increases.  At a town hall meeting in Livingston on Saturday, the Governor likened commuters to frequent airline fliers and told the audience his plan would include discounts for regular users of the state's toll roads.

"Governor Corzine has produced a bold plan for helping New Jersey climb out of debt, but now we must review it from every angle to ensure it could be enacted equitably and efficiently," said Diegnan.  "Freezing state spending and increasing accountability are essential elements of the plan which all residents should support.  However, we need to spend the time necessary to closely examine the Governor's toll road plan and propose ways to help commuters.  A tax deduction should be part of that discussion."

Diegnan said he hopes to have his bill ready for introduction by the time the Assembly convenes for its first committee meetings of the new legislative session, currently scheduled for January 24.

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