Posted on 10/15/16
| News Source: ABC News
New Jersey's low gas prices are about to get more expensive after Republican Gov. Chris Christie on Friday signed legislation raising the gas tax by 23 cents per gallon, from the 49th highest in the nation to the sixth, to pay for an expired transportation trust fund.
The gas tax, though, is still lower than the gas tax in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. The hike is set to go into effect Nov. 1.
Christie also rescinded an order that shut down transportation projects in the state. He first issued the order when the transportation trust fund expired months ago.
The legislation signed by Christie raises the gas tax from 14.5 cents per gallon to 37.5 cents per gallon while cutting the sales and estate taxes. It also offers tax credits to veterans and for poorer residents.
He praised the gas tax measure as a compromise and said it offered state residents "tax fairness."
"Through this legislation, we are continuing our commitment to providing tax relief for working New Jerseyans of all income levels," Christie said in a statement.
The gas tax passed in the Democrat-led Assembly and Senate despite robust bipartisan opposition from lawmakers and many residents.
On Friday, Republican state Sen. Kip Bateman said he planned to introduce legislation to repeal the gas tax hike.
But the hike also had significant support from business and labor groups, including the Chamber of Commerce. Most significantly, it had the backing of Christie, Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney and Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, who announced the deal together at a recent news conference.
"With this new law, we've ensured a stronger New Jersey and a safer New Jersey," Prieto said.
The transportation trust fund expired...read more at ABC News