TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jeff Van Drew and Jim Whelan to exempt from corporate business taxes out-of-state bus companies that bring tourists to destinations within New Jersey – such as Atlantic City casinos – was approved unanimously today by the full Senate.
The idea behind the bill (S-1124) is to exempt bus companies that carry passengers, such as senior citizens, from Philadelphia, New York City and Virginia to Atlantic City for a day trip. The legislation is intended to encourage more business, travel and tourism to Atlantic City.
“The out-of-state buses which carry casino patrons to Atlantic City represent a vital part of our local economy, bringing thousands of tourists to the resort each year,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “We need to do our part to make sure the buses continue to run, and that bus companies aren’t hampered by New Jersey’s tax structure when they’re delivering much-needed patronage to our casinos.”
“Out-of-state bus companies bring tourists into our city, where they spend money at our shops, our restaurants and casinos,” said Senator Whelan (D-Atlantic). “Especially given the competition we are experiencing from neighboring states, we should be incentivizing these kinds of businesses, not making it more costly for them to operate here.”