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Christie Weighs In On Transportation Trust Fund Debate

By KYW's David Madden

TRENTON, NJ (CBS) -- Legislators in New Jersey are debating a number of different ways to replenish the state's nearly empty Transportation Trust Fund. Governor Chris Christie is talking to leaders on both sides of the aisle about a possible compromise, but keeping his own feelings about the effort to himself for the most part.

There's at least three proposals being debated under the Golden Dome in Trenton. The one getting the most attention raises the gas tax 23 cents a gallon and cuts a number of other levies, including elimination of the estate tax.

Christie, who's blocked every tax hike to cross his desk, talked to reporters this week about the discussions going on in the Assembly and Senate.

"I am open to a broad based solution to the TTF problem," he said, "but that it had to represent tax fairness in my view for the people of the state of New Jersey."

And nothing he's heard so far does that. But the Governor is encouraged that legislators are now offering ideas for public debate.

"They all whispered about it in the hallways," Christie said. "Now at least they've come forward with a plan. Hopefully now it'll manifest itself into a piece of legislation and then the negotiation process can begin."

How soon can the situation be worked out? Christie would consider it a "miracle" if there was a deal by the end of the current legislative session on June 30th and this is likely to drag well into the summer.

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