NJ Legislature votes on $60.7B budget amid spending gap
Lawmakers face a surreal crossroads as they vote on the state budget while Democrats advance new spending despite reported gaps.
The New Jersey State Legislature is set to vote on a $60.7 billion budget, marking a significant political moment for the district and the state capital of Trenton.
Despite reports of a budget gap, Democratic lawmakers have moved forward with advancing an additional $360 million in new spending as part of a 358-page bill introduced that same day.
Republican lawmakers criticized the speed of the process, stating it is not normal or right to rush such legislation on its introduction date while facing financial shortfalls.
Separately, New Jersey drivers are paying an effective state gas tax burden of just 7.24 cents per gallon, which ranks as the second-lowest in the country despite a statutory rate of 42 cents.
Sources
- N.J. drivers pay second-lowest gas tax in U.S. — 7.24 cents per gallon (roi-nj.com)
- The Crossroads of Tom Kean, Jr. and the New Jersey Budget (insidernj.com)
- Amid budget gap, Democrats advance $360M in new spending (njspotlightnews.org)