Stalemate Over TTF Pushing NJ Construction Workers To Brink

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) -- The stalemate over New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund is pushing some constructions workers, who have been out of work for almost seven weeks, to the brink of desperation.

Jermaine Sumlin, from Pine Hill, brought the youngest of his four kids to a demonstration on Wednesday at the legislative office of Senator Jim Beach. "The anxiety and the stress is great. Trust me when I tell you," Sumlin said. "School time is right around the corner, school supplies and clothes need to be bought and without us going back to work, I don't see this happening."

On July 1, Governor Chris Christie put a halt to the hundreds of roads of road and and bridge projects after state lawmakers failed to reach a deal to replenish the fund known as the TTF.

To go with a 23 cent per gallon increase in the state gas tax, the assembly is willing to reduce the state sales tax to appease Governor Christie. The Senate is not.

Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto issued a call to action saying "It's time for everyone to put their egos aside and sit together in the same room and stay there until we resolve this crisis."

"We are focusing our attention on obtaining the votes needed to approve the bipartisan plan that was approved by the Senate budget committee. It is a superior plan that includes responsible tax cuts," said Senate President Steve Sweeney.

On Tuesday, Christie was out of the state with Donald Trump, something that many New Jerseyans say they've seen too much of.