Gottheimer Introduces Bill for Tax Credit on Jersey Pride Merchandise

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., introduced legislation Wednesday to promote "Jersey Pride" merchandise and challenge the dominance of "I Love NY" items. The bill offers a 25% tax credit to businesses selling New Jersey-branded products at airports, train stations and rest stops.

The measure arrives two months before MetLife Stadium hosts eight World Cup games. Gottheimer voiced frustration at a Tuesday news conference. "Nothing p---es me off more than when I get on an airplane here, and, in my face, is a row of shirts in a store screaming, ‘I Love New York.’ Really? We just landed in Jersey," he said.

"This isn’t just about Jersey pride," he added. "It’s also about helping our small businesses and the jobs they create, promoting our more than 130-mile Shore, lakes, shops, restaurants, and apparel companies, and getting in front of customers where it matters most."

Gottheimer pointed to the World Cup's potential for local businesses. "Millions of people from around the world will be landing here to watch one of the eight games, and, with practice fields up and down the state, and five fan fests, people will be driving up and down the Turnpike and Parkway," he said. "This is our moment to spread that pride all over the world."

He criticized New York City and state. "And, what have they got on the other side of the river? Insane taxes, dirty streets, and a bunch of socialists who are forcing Jersey families to pay a ridiculous Congestion Tax just to drive to their own jobs or see loved ones," Gottheimer said.

Officials in New York and New Jersey have warned of travel disruptions from the fan influx during June and July matches. NJ Transit plans to sell just 40,000 round-trip tickets per game from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

"If you are not attending one of the events, please, if possible, work from home because the city will be incredibly congested and so will New Jersey," Port Authority executive director Kathryn Garcia said at a recent news conference. She added, "I would also discourage anyone from taking a rideshare."