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Gov. Christie, Motorists Say No To Proposed Gas Tax Hike

NEW JERSEY (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey drivers and Gov. Chris Christie are sounding off against a proposal to hike the gas tax by 4 cents.

Motorists who spoke with WCBS 880's Jim Smith said no way to the proposal, despite that the state's gas tax is the second-lowest in the nation.

Gov. Christie, Motorists Say No To Proposed Gas Tax Hike

"It's another tax and you rarely reverse it," one driver said.

But state Sen. Ray Lesniak argues the roads are crumbling, and the proposed 4-cent per gallon increase each year for the next six years could pay for the needed improvements.

"The transportation trust fund which is provided for by the gas tax is out of money. We have no other choices. I would hope that the governor would recognize this," Lesniak said.

Gov. Christie, however, strongly opposes the idea, along with drivers like Mike Leitman.

"No extra taxes. It's enough in Jersey," the East Brunswick resident said.

Lesniak proposed a 2-cent increase four years ago, but it stalled.

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