Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo
Stuck on Stupid Trenton Lawmakers look to Raise NJ Gas Tax
Potential N.J. gas tax increase comes up against Christie’s 2016 prospects
TRENTON — As the Republican governor of a blue state who has presidential aspirations, Chris Christie has spent much of the past five years carefully considering whether what plays in New Jersey will also play in more conservative states like South Carolina.
That balancing act is about to get a lot tougher as calls to raise the state’s gas tax grow louder.
New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund — which pays for major transportation projects — is almost broke. And Democrats who control the Legislature say that after years of fiscal maneuvers and borrowing for road projects, more revenue is needed.
The question becomes how Christie — who is widely expected to seek the nomination for the White House in a Republican Party that loathes raising taxes — signs such a measure into law without mortally damaging his presidential campaign before it even begins.
