N.J. toll hike plan hits road blocks
Published: Feb. 19, 2008 at 8:36 PM
TRENTON, N.J., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Gov. Jon Corzine's plan to increase tolls on New Jersey's three toll roads to pay down the state's debt has brought him few friends and a lot of opposition.
Since the Democratic governor introduced the proposal in January, every Republican in the state Legislature has pledged not to support it. Enough Democrats have joined them to virtually guarantee its failure.
Under his proposal, a non-profit corporation would manage the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, with 50 percent toll hikes expected from 2010 to 2022. The aim would be to pay off half of New Jersey's $32 billion debt, provide funding for highways and mass transit and, in combination with spending cuts, balance the state budget.
Corzine has been traveling the state for town meetings on the plan with hundreds of people, most of them hostile, turning out for each one. When he introduced the proposed toll hikes, Corzine said "pigs will fly over the statehouse" before New Jersey can cut spending or raise taxes enough to solve its fiscal problems -- and people wearing pig costumes have greeted him on his travels.
The one group supporting the plan is the business community.
Since the Democratic governor introduced the proposal in January, every Republican in the state Legislature has pledged not to support it. Enough Democrats have joined them to virtually guarantee its failure.
Under his proposal, a non-profit corporation would manage the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, with 50 percent toll hikes expected from 2010 to 2022. The aim would be to pay off half of New Jersey's $32 billion debt, provide funding for highways and mass transit and, in combination with spending cuts, balance the state budget.
Corzine has been traveling the state for town meetings on the plan with hundreds of people, most of them hostile, turning out for each one. When he introduced the proposed toll hikes, Corzine said "pigs will fly over the statehouse" before New Jersey can cut spending or raise taxes enough to solve its fiscal problems -- and people wearing pig costumes have greeted him on his travels.
The one group supporting the plan is the business community.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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