Lawmakers Don't Vote On Christie's Gas Tax Proposal
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) - The New Jersey Senate was in session Thursday, but lawmakers did not vote on a bill that would increase the state gas tax by a whopping 23 cents.
The Governor Christie -backed bill that was passed by the assembly stalled in the Senate as lawmakers there indicated a desire to wait until after the 4th of July weekend.
There are reports that some lawmakers are working on their own version.
The 23 cent increase approved by the assembly would have sent jolts of sticker shock through gas pumps and wallets all over the state. It was set to take effect midnight Friday had the senate voted to approve.
To offset the impact, the bill would have cut the state sales tax from seven percent to six, but that reduction would have been gradually phased in.
Revenue from the higher gas tax is earmarked for the depleted Transportation Trust Fund and projects ranging from road repairs to bridge construction.
