Josh Gottheimer

A New Jersey congressman is sponsoring a bill that aims to push for the sale of New Jersey merchandise rather than “I Love New York” gear ahead of the World Cup.

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., introduced the “Jersey Pride Tax Credit.” If passed, it would give a 25% tax credit to businesses that sell New Jersey-branded products in airports, train stations and rest stops.

This comes less than two months before MetLife Stadium hosts eight World Cup games, including the final. The first match, Brazil versus Morocco, is set for June 13.

“Nothing pisses 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,” Gottheimer said at a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Gottheimer voiced his frustration that travelers are often bombarded with New York-themed merchandise as soon as they arrive at the airport.

“This isn’t just about Jersey pride,” Gottheimer said. “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.”

The legislation would also require priority retail space in major transit hubs for businesses that showcase products that promote New Jersey.

Gottheimer asked the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to prioritize storefronts that sell New Jersey-branded items at Newark Airport and other transit hubs.

Gottheimer added that with the World Cup’s New Jersey games approaching, the issue is “especially critical.”

“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.”

At the press conference, Gottheimer called New Jersey “God’s Country,” highlighting its beaches, lakes, farms, cities, suburbs, diners and other attributes. He then bashed New York, speaking of its high taxes and congestion pricing.

“And, what have they got on the other side of the river?” Gottheimer said. “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’s office did not say when the bill is expected to be reviewed by a committee.