Traffic light
SPD leader suggests increasing the commuter allowance
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil wants to focus the traffic light on the working population. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Lars Klingbeil wants to relieve the burden on the working population. Because the traffic light budget compromise also involves burdens “for the working middle class”. One lever could be the commuter allowance.
The SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil has called for an expansion Commuter flat rate encouraged. “I am in favor of us having the debate about raising it and ensuring that the working population is relieved,” he said on the Bild podcast “Ronzheimer”. When it comes to the traffic light coalition’s budget compromise, it is clear: “There are burdens for the working middle class. I’m not happy about that either.”
Klingbeil specifically mentioned the expected increase in fuel prices. “That’s why it’s completely clear to me: the second half of the legislature, the second half of the traffic light, has to do one thing, namely focus on the working population.” The SPD therefore wants “consideration to increase the commuter allowance next year”. However, the SPD leader did not want to commit to an amount. “I’m not conducting the negotiations (…) here, but (…) with the coalition partners.”
The commuter allowance is deducted when calculating income tax for the one-way distance between home and work. It is 30 cents per kilometer, from the 21st kilometer onwards 38 cents.