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Wednesday February 28, 2024
In spite of the fact that New Jersey has two of the busiest auto traffic corridors on the East Coast – the Parkway and the Turnpike -- we are the third largest provider of bus, rail, and light rail service in the Nation, New York being the first. Although we tend to think of rail service, bus service accounts for the vast majority of public use.
The Governor’s proposed budget which includes a 2.5% charge on companies with more than $10 million in profit will hopefully reduce the need for a 15% fare increase, which clearly would hurt low-income workers who rely on buses to get to work.
Without a doubt, there will be opposition form large wealthy corporations, some, if not many, of which have gotten their profits off the backs of low-income workers. We have an unconscionable income division in this state, the median income being $97,126. Many in our state struggle to live here, including the cost of public transit. Lent, a good time to consider reducing the burden on those who earn less, a lot less.
Prayer for the Day
We have turned away from the world around us,
Seeking to isolate ourselves from others who call upon us;
Not opening ourselves to your Spirit of compassion,
We have sought to rely only on ourselves alone.
Forgive us, O Lord, transforming us during this Lenten Season
Into a people who truly care for each other.
In the name of the One who cares for ush all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much and so many have so little.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator, Vermont
Poverty is a national issue and needs a federal response. After all, U.S. federal government policies helped produce massive income inequality by lopsided breaks for the super-wealthy.
Donna Brazile, American political strategist
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1 Timothy 6: 17-18