TRENTON, NJ — Legislators from New Jersey’s 10th District are taking aim at Governor Phil Murphy’s administration following the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s approval of a $2.6 billion budget that includes a 3% toll tax increase.
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano argue the increase puts additional financial strain on residents.
Holzapfel has introduced a bipartisan bill, S-376, aimed at reducing toll costs and putting a three-year moratorium on increases by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. McGuckin criticized Murphy for remaining silent on the issue, pointing out that low- and middle-income families bear the brunt of such increases.
This marks the fourth time tolls have been increased since 2020, leading to billions of dollars in additional expenses for New Jersey commuters.
Assemblyman Catalano emphasized the financial burden already faced by residents due to high taxes and questioned the lack of collaboration between Democrats and Republicans to find alternative solutions.
The legislators are urging immediate action to relieve the toll tax burden as part of a broader effort to address the state’s affordability crisis.