New Jersey Senate approves 23-cent increase in gas tax

Oct 08, 2016, 00:48
New Jersey Senate approves 23-cent increase in gas tax

The gas tax increase, which amounts to 23 cents per gallon, raises an estimated $1.2 to $1.4 billion per year.

The hike, which would pay for road repairs and mass transit, would be coupled with a cut in the state sales tax, more tax breaks for retirees and the working poor, and eventually, the elimination of New Jersey's estate tax.

The state Assembly and state Senate were expected to vote on the proposal Wednesday, but disagreements in the Senate over the plan, a handful of defections and several last-minute amendments forced Senate President Steve Sweeney to postpone any action on the deal until Friday. Even after the increase, New Jersey drivers will pay less in state gas taxes than those in neighboring Pennsylvania, at 50.5 cents a gallon, and NY, at 43.4 cents. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth), who held rallies against the gas tax increase throughout the summer, "and has a detrimental impact on our state budget, a dramatic one".

Sen. Ray Lesniak said he favors phasing the gas tax in gradually.

This 23-cent gas tax hike will allow us to address infrastructure problems - almost 34.5 percent of New Jersey's 6,686 bridges are structurally deficient - while also creating ample jobs with good wages.

Some in Trenton may be satisfied with any type of deal, but this bad deal will land us in the same situation we presently find ourselves in - with a lot more debt to pay off and no funding for roadwork - in eight short years. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), a bill sponsor. "It's not a ideal piece of legislation, but it is a compromise". Christie had said he would only support a plan that represented "tax fairness", or cutting other taxes if the gas tax was going to increase.

The sales tax cut will deliver but a small savings to commuters, said Sen.

The gas tax hike would be the first tax increase Christie signs during his tenure, and he has boasted that his support for it demonstrates a political spine his predecessors did not possess.

The gas tax would rise by 23 cents this year - to 37.5 cents a gallon - with the potential to rise more in coming years.

Doherty also took a jab at his Republican colleagues for not insisting on including changes to prevailing wage laws in the legislation. "I don't think that's fair to drivers". Both Republicans and Democrats have spoken out against it. I hope legislators follow their example.

New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel Tuesday questioned whether the plan guarantees transportation funds will be used for needed road and bridge improvements. The Democratic leadership was confident they could deliver enough votes to pass the measure, but mounting opposition may not make that possible.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
  • Moscow slams growing USA  'pressure' on its diplomats

    Moscow slams growing USA 'pressure' on its diplomats

    During Barack Obama's first term, Russian agents reportedly broke in and killed the dog of a USA defense attache in Moscow. While struggling with the Russian, the American managed to inch toward the door and crawl into the safe harbor of US turf.
    Pope Francis meets Azerbaijani leader

    Pope Francis meets Azerbaijani leader

    Francis in February said Trump's remarks on immigration and building a wall along the U.S. -Mexico border are "not Christian". Life is life and things must be taken as they come.

    Hornibrook proves he's ready in Badgers' win over Spartans

    He coached the Tigers to a national title in the 2007 season . "I thought we battled really well back there". Thanks to a 33-28 victory over IN on Saturday, the Demon Deacons are 4-0 for the first time since 2006.
  • Federal appeals court hears arguments over Dakota Access pipeline

    Federal appeals court hears arguments over Dakota Access pipeline

    Authorities have arrested 95 people in connection with the pipeline protests since they began in mid-August. This pipeline has already destroyed the burial places of our Lakota and Dakota ancestors.
    American finish Ryder Cup victory

    American finish Ryder Cup victory

    Probably not much need to change the captain, either, after Davis Love III came up a victor in his second time at the helm. STAR?: When the task force does get back to work, its No. 1 priority should be to find more guys like Patrick Reed.

    Arizona Republic endorses Democrat for 1st time ever

    The state's largest newspaper got plenty of attention with its endorsement, including the Democratic presidential nominee herself. We started raising the alarm about him... cautioning that what this man is saying is risky .
  • "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" tops box office in North America

    Chinese romantic-comedy "I Belonged to You" was nipping at " Miss Peregrine's " heels. "Finding Dory", $13.6 million. 10. The film was well-made and costs about $110 million to make.
    Buttler and Ali bail out England in Bangladesh warm-up

    Buttler and Ali bail out England in Bangladesh warm-up

    England got off to a quick start, but wickets fell at regular intervals until Buttler and Ali's partnership took hold of the game. Buttler reached his run-a-ball half-century in the next over.
    Netflix engineers rescue Luke Cage after service falters

    Netflix engineers rescue Luke Cage after service falters

    Just when many subscribers may have thought they'd settle in to watch the new series "Marvel's Luke Cage", Netflix had issues. Coker on this first season will convince you: "I think people are incredibly surprised by the depth emotional series".
  • Hurricane Matthew hits NASA's launch centre

    Hurricane Matthew hits NASA's launch centre

    The team is reporting to the emergency operation personnel, who worked in the command center at Complex 39 Launch Control Center. Hurricane Matthew is the Category 4 storm, and recorded as the strongest hurricane ever threatened the U.S.in decades.

    Liverpool players are thriving in their positions

    We will be better from week to week [and] I will try to show my skills in training to get more minutes in the Premier League ". He told the official website : "All of the players in my position, and other positions, are playing very well.
    NC bishop to lead Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia

    NC bishop to lead Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia

    Fran Burbidge, the bishop's older brother, drove from his home in Philadelphia to attend the news conference and show his support. Diocese of Arlington: I am honored to be your new bishop and will love and serve you with the strength that comes from God.
popular