Van drew blasts new jersey gas tax hike as ‘a punch in the gut’ to families

TRENTON, NJ – Congressman Jeff Van Drew sharply criticized New Jersey’s incoming gas tax hike, calling it an unnecessary financial blow to working families already struggling with rising costs.

Beginning January 1, the state’s gas tax is set to climb to nearly 50 cents per gallon, placing New Jersey among the highest in the nation.

“New Jersey families are getting hit from every direction,” Van Drew said in a statement released Tuesday. “Thanks to state leadership, utility bills are up, delivery fees are up, and now they are raising the gas tax again.”

The South Jersey Republican said the hike is a direct result of state fiscal policies enacted under Governor Phil Murphy and maintained through automatic adjustments tied to revenue targets.

Lawmaker calls for reversal of gas tax hike

“They refuse to control their spending, so instead, they stick the bill on hardworking families,” Van Drew said. “Let me be clear: talking about affordability means nothing if you stay silent when the state keeps raising taxes. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Governor Murphy must reverse this hike immediately.”

The state’s gas tax rate fluctuates annually under a 2016 law linking collections to transportation funding levels. The latest increase would push the rate to nearly 50 cents per gallon, following several years of modest decreases.

Economic pressure mounting on residents

Van Drew said the increase comes at a time when many New Jerseyans are contending with higher household and utility costs. “People are tired of being punished for the state’s own failures, especially when the rest of the country is seeing gas prices go down,” he added.

The congressman emphasized that while federal efforts to reduce costs continue, the decision to reverse the hike lies solely with state leadership.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew condemned New Jersey’s scheduled gas tax increase, calling on state leaders to cancel the hike and relieve financial pressure on working families.

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