Budget slashes funds; Transportation plan in works

A transportation plan is still being discussed behind closed doors on the state level to make up for lost highway funding.
Gov. Jon Corzine signed a $33 billion state budget into law Monday, and many are bracing for the massive cuts included in it. The spending plan slashes funding for some key services including hospitals, municipalities and state colleges.
One particular area the state is running out of money for is fixing and improving roads. The budget, however, doesn't address the issue.
With the governor's proposal of a toll hike shot down last year, Corzine has been eying a smaller toll increase accompanied by a gas hike. Senate President Dick Codey told News 12 New Jersey recently about the possibility of a convenience pricing plan, which would help drivers willing to pay a fee beat traffic.
The governor has confirmed that idea is on the table.
"Codey's idea is one that will be evaluated, along with a number of others," says Corzine.
While some say the proposal would unfairly favor the rich, others say they'd jump at the opportunity to utilize its privilege. Christine Spack of Stratford says she'd definitely pay for it.
"I'm one of those people who need to get everywhere very quickly, and I would have no problem paying," she says. "I would. I was just sitting in traffic thinking I wish there was something I could do."