A press release from Congressman Randy Hultgren:
Hultgren Supports Equal Transit Benefits for Mass-Transit Commuters
Metra train at Walkup Avenue crossing in Crystal Lake.
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has joined seven of his colleagues as an original cosponsor of H.R. 990, the Commuter Parity Act, a bill to restore the transit benefits for mass-transit commuters to the same level as parking benefits, from $130 to $235 per month.
Rep. Hultgren led Congressional efforts to restore such benefits during previous transportation reauthorization negotiations, and in November joined an Illinois delegation in urging committee leadership to include such benefits in any tax extenders package.
“The Commuter Parity Act will restore real transportation options to the consumer.
“As a former commuter to and from Chicago, I understand the importance of providing equalized benefits among mass-transit users and those that drive to work,” said Rep. Hultgren.
“Providing commuters who use mass transit the same benefits as drivers can help relieve road traffic and save workers money and time, and at no extra cost to the taxpayer, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
“This bill ensures that mass-transit commuters are put on a level playing field with drivers, allowing workers to determine how best to get to work.”
If Randy was a true conservative, instead of increasing the mass transit subsidy he would be lobbying to DECREASE the parking subsidy.
The money for all of this spending comes from the Highway Trust Fund which is funded by pump taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel.
All of the money that is received from these taxes should go to roads and related expenses.
Users of mass transit should pay their own way.
My guess is that Mr Hultgren has a bunch of mass transit users in his district, and he wants their expenses to be subsidized by others.
He sounds like a faux conservative to me.