Congress deals blow to cash-strapped commuters

Congress giveth and Congress taketh away.

Although an 11th-hour deal among lawmakers to renew the payroll tax cut prevented millions of Americans from seeing their take-home pay shrink starting Jan. 1, Congress did not renew a provision in the 2009 stimulus law that allowed employees to contribute up to $230 of pay per month in pretax commuter benefits. Thus, the provision expired, and starting Jan. 1, commuters only may contribute $125 a month.

Just a reminder that if you offer commuter benefits, to communicate this loud and long to employees, so they aren’t surprised at fare gates. Also, I’ll take it as an opportunity to make another shameless plug for telecommuting.

Not sure there’s much to discuss on this one, but as always please share your thoughts in the comments.