Drivers in New Jersey are paying more for gas on Monday, as the state's gas tax increased by 4.3 cents per gallon.
"That's terrible. We just went through this," one driver told WOR's Alice Stockton-Rossini.
The gas tax was raised by 23 cents in 2016 as part of a deal struck by then-Governor Chris Christie and the state legislature when the Transportation Trust Fund was running out of money. It included a provision that allowed for another increase if revenue fell short of expectations, which is why the gas tax is going up again.
"It's happening too often. New Jersey used to be the state that had the lowest gasoline prices and it stands to reason we have one of the highest tax rates in the country. So now with the gas rate, this is disgusting," a driver said.
When the increase was announced back in August, Governor Phil Murphy admitted that he was "frustrated." However, he said it was needed to continue paying for road and transportation projects.
"I'm not real happy about it, but I guess if the money goes to fixing the road in the long run it'll be okay," a driver said.
The latest increase brings the total tax up to 41.4 cents per gallon.
Pennsylvania has the highest state gas tax in the country at 58.7 cents per gallon. Alaska has the lowest at 14.7 cents.
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