NJ Ballot Question Debate Has Some Voters Confused
by KYW's David Madden
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) -- Voters in New Jersey are being asked to dedicate gas taxes in the state exclusively to roads and public transportation. But in recent weeks, there's been some confusion regarding what the constitutional amendment is all about.
If you want some clear answers, perhaps you should read your sample ballot. Despite what some people suggest, a "no" vote on question two will not rescind the newly enacted 23 cent a gallon gas tax increase. What are the ramifications of a "no" vote?
"The gas tax increase that went into effect would still be in effect," Stockton University Assistant Professor Daniel Mallinson told KYW Newsradio, "and those revenues, I imagine, would go into the general fund and would be available to the legislature and the Governor to spend."
Mallinson, who works in the Political Science department, sees the confusion stemming, in part, from a debate over New Jersey taxes in general and thoughts that a rejection of the amendment could lead to some politicians reconsidering their vote in favor of the increase in the gas levy.
"The gas taxes are raised," he added. "That revenue is going to be coming in and question two is about whether that revenue is dedicated to transportation or not."
So just to be clear, if the measure passes, all gas tax money goes directly into the Transportation Trust Fund. If not, most of it would be diverted to the general fund for politicians to use as they see fit.
