New York adopts commuter benefits law

Mayor Bill de Blasio was at Barclays Center Monday morning handing out fliers and explaining details of the new commuter benefit law.  The new mandate could save workers hundreds of dollars this year

News 12 Staff

Jan 5, 2016, 3:06 AM

Updated 3,206 days ago

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Mayor Bill de Blasio was at Barclays Center Monday morning handing out fliers and explaining details of the new commuter benefit law. 
The new mandate could save workers hundreds of dollars this year on their commutes to work. 
The new commuter benefits law requires employers with 20 full-time workers or more to allow employees to set aside pre-tax income to pay for their commute. 
A similar benefit was already in place for some workers, according to Sen. Chuck Schumer. It allowed them to use $130 of pre-tax income for monthly transit passes. The new law increases the amount to $255.
The law also benefits employers by reducing their payroll taxes. 
Companies that do not comply with the New York City benefits law could face civil fines, according to lawmakers.
Businesses have until July 1, 2016 before penalties are imposed.