New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney watches as the senate passes a transportation trust fund bill Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. The agreement between lawmakers and Gov. Chris Christie would raise the state's gas tax from 14.5 cents to 37.5 cents a gallon. The deal establishes a $2 billion-a-year transportation trust fund over eight years and cuts the sales and estate taxes, while also offering veterans and low-income residents tax credits, among other measures. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
October 07, 2016 - 11:59 AM
TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey lawmakers have voted to approve a 23-cent-per-gallon hike in the gas tax to pay for transportation work.
The Democrat-led Senate and Assembly voted Friday to raise the tax from 14.5 cents a gallon to 37.5 cents a gallon to fund transportation work over eight years. The legislation also cuts the sales and estate taxes, among other measures.
The bill passed 44-27 in the Assembly and 24-14 in the Senate.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie helped craft the measure and is expected to sign it.
Even with the increase, New Jersey's gas tax would still remain lower than neighbouring New York and Pennsylvania.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016