Arguing that Ocean County drivers will be the hardest hit in the state now that the 23-cent gas tax hike has become law, Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari is calling on New Jersey legislators to offer an income tax credit for commuters who depend on their own private vehicles to get to work.

“As the Board of Freeholders has said time and time again, this gas tax increase is completely unfair to Ocean County drivers, who already pay the most in gasoline and tolls because they have the longest commutes in the state,” Vicari said.

In a letter to the four state senators that represent the county, Vicari outlined a plan that could give commuters a break.

“I propose that the Legislature enact a state income tax credit for each resident who spends at least $2,000 a year on gasoline for the purpose of travelling to and from work. Such a tax credit would help even the playing field between Ocean County residents and those who live in the northern part of the state,” Vicari said in the letter.

Vicari pointed to federal census statistics that show more than 108,000 Ocean County residents commute 30 minutes or more to work. More than 90,000 people travel outside of the county to reach their workplace.

Additionally, more than 82 percent of local commuters use their own private vehicle. Only 2 percent rely of public transportation.

“This is a far cry from Northern New Jersey Counties that are served by numerous bus, train and light rail line,” Vicari said. “The gas tax is unfair to Ocean County residents who have no other choice than to drive to work.”

The percentage of county residents that use public transportation is only slightly higher than those employees who walk to work, which is 1 percent of the total workforce.

The Freeholders had unanimously opposed the gas tax increase before it passed both houses of the Legislature and was signed by the governor.

Vicari said the tax credit would only apply to private, non-commercial drivers who can document that they have spent $2,000 or more on fuel during a calendar year.

The letter was sent to Senators Christopher J. Connors, James W. Holzapfel, Samuel D. Thompson and Robert W. Singer. Copies were also mailed to the two Assembly members in each district.

Vicari said he was hopeful of a positive reply.

“Looking at the numbers it is easy to see that the gas tax places an unfair burden on our residents,” he said. “The tax credit would go a long way in easing the financial hardship caused by higher prices at the pump.”

[TLS]