Veto Turnpike Toll Increase, 9th District Asks Murphy

9th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, NJ — Ahead of a planned toll increase by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, representatives from the 9th Legislative District are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to put a stop to it.

Sen. Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Greg Myhre sent a letter to Murphy, calling on him to veto the minutes that would allow for a toll increase in March "to prevent yet another increase in the cost of living and doing business in New Jersey."

"Outraged constituents are asking the same questions we are about the potential toll increases," the three wrote. "How does Trenton expect the average taxpayer to keep paying more in tolls while also continuing to pay high property taxes? Why does Trenton boast about offering tax relief plans and business tax incentives only to deliberately raise the cost of living and doing business in the state?"

A spokesman for Murphy told NJ Advance Media the governor would sign off on the budget to "prioritize the safety and mobility of all New Jersey residents and commuters." Murphy previously vetoed the hike on Oct. 26.

The hike marks the third time tolls have increased since 2020. Read more: NJ Budget Passes With Toll Increases: How Much You Can Expect To Pay

"Doing nothing to stop the toll increase would be rightly viewed as an insider powerplay, demonstrating Trenton's willingness to impose financial hardships on residents and business when politically convenient," Amato, Rumpf and Myhre said. "More obviously, toll increases would further erode the public's confidence in Trenton to competently manage the state's finances."

You can read a copy of the letter here.