Garden State Times

In a letter addressed to Governor Murphy, Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Greg Myhre have urged the Governor to veto the New Jersey Turnpike Authority's decision to increase tolls set to take effect in March.

The lawmakers expressed their concerns in the letter, emphasizing the impact of the toll increase on the cost of living and doing business in New Jersey. They stated, "To prevent yet another increase in the cost of living and doing business in New Jersey, we are calling on your Administration in the strongest terms to veto the New Jersey Turnpike Authority minutes that would allow for a toll increase to take effect this March."

Highlighting the importance of consistency, the letter referenced a previous action by Governor Murphy just before the 2023 General Election, stating, "Vetoing the minutes would be consistent with the action you took just prior to the 2023 General Election."

The legislators also raised concerns on behalf of their constituents, questioning the rationale behind the toll increases amidst already high property taxes. They asked, "How does Trenton expect the average taxpayer to keep paying more in tolls while also continuing to pay high property taxes?"

In conclusion, the lawmakers reiterated their stance on the toll increase, stating, "Increasing tolls is wrong now just as it was several months ago." They emphasized the financial burden on residents and the need for government decisions that prioritize the best interests of taxpayers.