Kudos to Reps. Hultgren, Biggert, Lipinski, Quigley, Dold and Rush for proposal to restore pre-tax transit benefits - Metropolitan Planning Council

Skip to main content

Kudos to Reps. Hultgren, Biggert, Lipinski, Quigley, Dold and Rush for proposal to restore pre-tax transit benefits

Photo via Flickr user John Walker

In 2009, Congress wisely increased the maximum amount an individual can set aside pre-tax for mass transit expenses to $230, equal to the benefit received by those who drive to work and park. Originally set to expire at the end of 2010, the increased allowance was extended to Dec. 31, 2011, but unfortunately that extension was temporary. Because Congress failed to act, the transit portion was cut in half – from $230 a month to $125 – when the measure expired Jan. 1, 2012. Meanwhile, the parking benefit increased to $240 a month to account for inflation. 

MPC thanks Illinois Reps. Hultgren, Biggert, Lipinski, Quigley, Dold and Rush for offering an amendment to H.R. 7, the transportation reauthorization currently being debated in the U.S. House, to restore pre-tax transit benefits, making them equal to benefits for those who drive to work. Similar language to restore parity is included in the Senate bill, MAP-21.

Increasing the limit would be a smart investment that saves transit riders in the Chicago region money, especially suburban riders who have the most expensive commutes. The move also would decrease the tax burden on employers and potentially encourage more workers to ride transit – a shift that would reduce traffic congestion and our reliance on foreign oil, promote cleaner air, and generate revenue for our cash-strapped mass transit systems. As HR7 and MAP-21 continue to be hotly debated, it’s good to know our region’s lawmakers are being champions for the 2 million people who ride transit every day in metropolitan Chicago.

 

Comments

No comments

More posts by Chrissy

All posts by Chrissy »

MPC on Twitter

Follow us on Twitter »


Stay in the loop!

MPC's Regionalist newsletter keeps you up to date with our work and our upcoming events.?

Subscribe to Regionalist


Most popular news

Browse by date »

This page can be found online at http://archive.metroplanning.org/news/6359

Metropolitan Planning Council 140 S. Dearborn St.
Suite 1400
Chicago, Ill. 60603
312 922 5616 info@metroplanning.org

Sign up for newsletter and alerts »

Shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone

For more than 85 years, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has partnered with communities, businesses, and governments to unleash the greatness of the Chicago region. We believe that every neighborhood has promise, every community should be heard, and every person can thrive. To tackle the toughest urban planning and development challenges, we create collaborations that change perceptions, conversations—and the status quo. Read more about our work »

Donate »