New Jersey Senate postpones vote on gas tax transportation plan

New Jersey's lawmakers have once again put off voting on a controversial plan to replenish the state's dwindling transportation trust fund. The New Jersey Senate went back to work in Trenton Monday

News 12 Staff

Aug 2, 2016, 3:58 AM

Updated 2,823 days ago

Share:

New Jersey Senate postpones vote on gas tax transportation plan
New Jersey's lawmakers have once again put off voting on a controversial plan to replenish the state's dwindling transportation trust fund.
The New Jersey Senate went back to work in Trenton Monday after a July recess, but faced a stalemate over a plan to raise New Jersey's gas tax by 23 cents in order to fund transportation projects.
Projects to repair hundreds of roads and bridges across the state have been on hold since July, when the deadline to extend the transportation trust fund ran out. Gov. Chris Christie said that he wanted to ensure that what money was left in the fund would be used for emergency repairs only.
Lawmakers devised a plan that would enact the gas tax while eliminating the estate tax. It would also give tax breaks to low-income residents and senior citizens.
But Gov. Christie said that it must also include a 1-percent cut to sales tax, and said he would veto the plan if it was sent to his desk as-is.
Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto tells News 12 New Jersey that he believes that he, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Gov. Christie should all get into a room and develop a compromise. Sweeney does not agree with this.
"The governor's position has been one on the sales tax cut, and if that's the only thing the governor is going to present, what's the sense of getting in a room on that?" Sweeney asks.
Sweeney also says that unless he has a "veto-proof' majority support on the bill, he won't bring it to vote.
Gov. Christie's office released a statement that said, "The governor remains committed to reaching an amicable solution with legislative leaders that puts people to work, funds infrastructure investment in roads, bridges and mass transit and represents tax fairness for all the people of New Jersey. The governor trusts that everyone involved is committed to the same goals."


More from News 12
1:53
Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

0:20
NJ Transit rail service into and out of Penn Station New York delayed due to overhead power issues

NJ Transit rail service into and out of Penn Station New York delayed due to overhead power issues

2:10
Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:36
New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

New Jersey Instagram fraudster 'Jay Mazini' sentenced for his crypto scheme that preyed on Muslims

0:51
Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

0:26
Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

Union police searching for missing 60-year-old man last seen at Whole Foods parking lot

0:24
Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

Fanwood police warn of possible concert ticket scams on Facebook

2:19
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

0:29
Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

1:33
AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

2:12
Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students