23 cent gas tax hike

[WildBillyT]

Might go into effect on Friday.

Anybody know if it includes diesel? The media tends to use "gas" and "fuel" interchangeably.

[LTb1ow]

http://politickernj.com/2016/06/senators-announce-bipartisan-agreement-on-transportation-trust-fund-and-tax-cuts/

According to that article, looks like differing raises on fuel types.

[DirtyBird]

Hopefully it goes into the road repair funds and not into bs funds if passed

[Featherburner]

Hopefully it goes into the road repair funds and not into bs funds if passed

No if...it passed this morning.

[FlyingDutchman]

Hopefully it goes into the road repair funds and not into bs funds if passed

Ha! It will be squandered in "administration" and lining the pockets of contractors like it already is.

[LTb1ow]

Hopefully it goes into the road repair funds and not into bs funds if passed

Do you forgot what state you live in....?

[DirtyBird]

One can hope. not state, country....

[WildBillyT]

Ha! It will be squandered in "administration" and lining the pockets of contractors like it already is.

Hey, you are just jealous that you are not in the $35,000 stop sign industry.

[FlyingDutchman]

Hey, you are just jealous that you are not in the $35,000 stop sign industry.

Passed a DOT worker cleaning graffiti off the BACK of a blue hospital "H" sign just outside of Camden :facepalm:

[Mike]

Passed a DOT worker cleaning graffiti off the BACK of a blue hospital "H" sign just outside of Camden :facepalm:

That is their job too...

[sweetbmxrider]

One can hope. not state, country....

Its a state tax doe

Passed a DOT worker cleaning graffiti off the BACK of a blue hospital "H" sign just outside of Camden :facepalm:

I'd say its cheaper to replace but remember who would replace it :willy:

[DirtyBird]

Talking funneling out of one and putting in other, not just a state thing

[Blacdout96]

Just heard this morning the state is giving 180 million to Stockton, Rowan, and some other schools..... That money couldn't go to infrastructure repair? These schools already charge out the wazoo, it's ******** money for them.

[FlyingDutchman]

That is their job too...

Sure it might be something they do, but there are a million other things to do before cleaning the back of a sign.

[sweetbmxrider]

Talking funneling out of one and putting in other, not just a state thing

:nod:

[Jersey Mike]

ELI5 please? Gas prices are probably going to go up 23-cents, but that's okay because we're not as bad as NY? ...More or less?

[Mike]

Sure it might be something they do, but there are a million other things to do before cleaning the back of a sign.

Unless it was profane or gang related

[elle]

Didn't it get shot down?

[V]

It passed in state assembly.
Doesn't look good in state senate though.

[BigAls87Z28]

We drive less and in cars that are more fuel efficent. Gas is still cheaper than it has been in over a decade. Oh yeah, and if the law passes and goes to the Gov for the final approval, sales tax goes from 7 to 6% in 2018 but let's focus on the .23 increase on gas for our ****** roads.

[redsoxsstink]

I obviously don't want to pay more for gas, but 23 cents more puts the average price in central Jersey around 2.15 per gallon for regular, which isn't bad... I'm OK with this as long as the price stay where they are and the money is actually used to repair/expand our roadways.

[FlyingDutchman]

We drive less and in cars that are more fuel efficent. Gas is still cheaper than it has been in over a decade. Oh yeah, and if the law passes and goes to the Gov for the final approval, sales tax goes from 7 to 6% in 2018 but let's focus on the .23 increase on gas for our ****** roads.

Raising the tax now and promising a sales tax cut later is pointless. There will still be a net increase in tax no matter what, you're an idiot if you think they're gonna save YOU money. The cut is to justify and make you feel good. Also, I wouldn't put it past the state to most likely pull some BS in 2018 as to why they can't reduce sales tax citing bad roads or jobs. New Jersey has some of the highest taxes and yet our roads suck, you really think this new bill will change anything? They have had plenty of time to prove otherwise. Sure gas is cheap today, but every other tax has been steadily increasing. (Furthermore, gas prices are where they are due to larger economics at play ie mid east trying to sink US oil boom, not your local representative)

This gas tax is completely unnecessary. Period. There is plenty of state and federal money to fix our infrastructure; however, it gets wasted, squandered whatever on inefficient and frivolous administration and overpriced, behind schedule contractors. I work in the industry and with the NJDOT everday (plus other infrastructure agencies) and would make you sick to your stomach if you knew a fraction of what goes on in Trenton and beyond. There is zero accountability and that's the problem. /rant

[sweetbmxrider]

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::c lap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

[ThoR294]

"The average NJ Family will save $450 with the 1% sales tax decrease in the Gas Tax Bill" -Chris Christie 2016

What a f*king piece of ****. We don't get the sales tax cut right away either! .5% in 2017 then another .5% in 2018! I blame prevailing wages for the hole that the TTF dug itself into. Christie is now on my **** list.

[edpontiac91]

EVERYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS IS :bs::bs::bs::bs::bs::bs: They get FREE cars to use-Insurance-EZPass and GAS. They don't give a RAT's A*S about how this will affect us in the coming months. What happened to ALL the monies that were in the Trust Fund in the first place. THEY BLEW IT ON OTHER CRAP BECAUSE THE MONEY WAS THERE TO BEGIN WITH.:nutkick: GIVE ME A SAY IN THIS AND STOP STICKING YOUR HANDS IN MY POCKET BECAUSE "YOU CAN"!:evil:

[zraffz]

"The average NJ Family will save $450 with the 1% sales tax decrease in the Gas Tax Bill" -Chris Christie 2016

What a f*king piece of ****. We don't get the sales tax cut right away either! .5% in 2017 then another .5% in 2018! I blame prevailing wages for the hole that the TTF dug itself into. Christie is now on my **** list.

Just out of curiosity since you obviously aren't a fan of prevailing wage jobs (obviously related to the roadways), have you ever worked a 16 hour day in 90 degree heat while standing on or over asphalt that is 250-300 degrees?

I think they make a fair living. They make less hourly than most police officers, teachers and fire fighters.

[sweetbmxrider]

EVERYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS IS :bs::bs::bs::bs::bs::bs: They get FREE cars to use-Insurance-EZPass and GAS. They don't give a RAT's A*S about how this will affect us in the coming months. What happened to ALL the monies that were in the Trust Fund in the first place. THEY BLEW IT ON OTHER CRAP BECAUSE THE MONEY WAS THERE TO BEGIN WITH.:nutkick: GIVE ME A SAY IN THIS AND STOP STICKING YOUR HANDS IN MY POCKET BECAUSE "YOU CAN"!:evil:

You forgot Christie using the helicopter as he pleases :rofl::rofl:

Just out of curiosity since you obviously aren't a fan of prevailing wage jobs (obviously related to the roadways), have you ever worked a 16 hour day in 90 degree heat while standing on or over asphalt that is 250-300 degrees?

I think they make a fair living. They make less hourly than most police officers, teachers and fire fighters.

That sounds tough, they deserve better.

:bertstare:

[zraffz]

That sounds tough, they deserve better.

:bertstare:

If the heavy laborer highway jobs are such great pay and easy work, feel free to go do it. Then you can live in your 10,000 square foot mansion and eat caviar every day.

[LTb1ow]

If the heavy laborer highway jobs are such great pay and easy work, feel free to go do it. Then you can live in your 10,000 square foot mansion and eat caviar every day.

Are there not chances to advance oneself upwards towards better pay and or easier work conditions?

[Blackbirdws6]

Focus.... conversation is about a tax, not labor conditions/compensation.

The inefficiencies of state and federal government are always easy to point out. If the $ was truly going to the things we need, in an efficient manner, then I likely would not have an issue. Unfortunately, more often than not the funds tend to be squandered, misused, abused, etc. If you are on the side of the folks receiving these funds, and may not live in the state, then I likely already know your opinion. On the flip side, we all think we are brilliant and could do it better.

The simple fact of government business (on either side of the table), is no one wants to make the hard cuts. Being more efficient means more effort and working with the state is already an inefficient process (I know first hand). Contracts will be padded, price of materials will continue to increase and everyone working a job whether difficult or not, wants doctor money.

[WildBillyT]

No gas tax hike for now. Go burn some fuel.

[zraffz]

No gas tax hike for now. Go burn some fuel.

They will be doing something. They said .23 cents overnight I just too much of a jump so it'll get voted on in tiers now.

[sweetbmxrider]

If the heavy laborer highway jobs are such great pay and easy work, feel free to go do it. Then you can live in your 10,000 square foot mansion and eat caviar every day.

Don't care for caviar but thanks, the dogs are hungry! Its weird because I can't think of a worse occupation, you win.

[The_Bishop]

What's amazing is all the hate for workers.

The contractors doing the road work? The poor schlub standing in the heat, busting his ass fixing the roads? Here's a quick tip: The checks from the state don't go to that guy. They go to the owner of the company, who proceeds to take a huge piece out of that pie.

Anyone who thinks that type of work is easy can feel free to do it for a while, then give me your thoughts on how 'easy' it is. I've done similar work; it sucked royally and I moved on as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

Another note: The worker cleaning the back of the sign? In all likelihood, some administrator making 100k+ a year saw the graffiti there on the way to work and sent that guy out to clean it off. Another free hint: The guy cleaning the sign isn't making $100/hour.

Not everyone working for the state/municipalities is swimming in cash. In fact, *most* of them aren't. However, there are plenty of administrators/political flunkies with two (or three!) jobs that add up to over 200k a year. However, that isn't your average worker.

[Blackbirdws6]

Who is saying road work is easy? While I can appreciate those who do hard physical labor, the jobs will only pay so much. Those folks chose their career so why should others not doing it feel bad for them? I'm sure no one feels too bad for me if I'm working 60+ hr weeks.

[FlyingDutchman]

Who is saying road work is easy? While I can appreciate those who do hard physical labor, the jobs will only pay so much. Those folks chose their career so why should others not doing it feel bad for them? I'm sure no one feels too bad for me if I'm working 60+ hr weeks.

^This. I never put the blame on the worker (although when it takes 2 guys more than 8 hrs double OT to change a light bulb, and they still have to go back then it is their fault AND admin for allowing such poor work ethic. And yes, that's a real example.) I'm talking about the CONTRACTOR, the guy/company in charge. They make a killing. The prices and schedules they come up with are ludicrous. And the state pays them. It's takes more than a YEAR to replace a small culvert ...

My point is there is no accountability to ensure the current TTF and other related taxes are spent wisely. Nothing is done in a timely fashion either. Adding more money to the pot won't help anything. I'm sure cleaning graffiti is a legit job. But from the back of a sign in Camden along a highway? Seriously? That's like kicking an ant hill over, you know it's going to be there again (in fact, passing by again this week and it's still mostly there...). We have bridges literally on the verge of collapse. There are craters that could swallow your car. Mangled guide rails along dangerous curves. There are plenty of higher priority jobs to be tackled before worrying about graffiti in Camden of all places. And that's the problem, the public relies on the state to appropriate the funds wisely and they're not doing it.

[V]

You guys would hate how jobs/tasks are handled in the military lol.

[sweetbmxrider]

I'm not very amused working in my climate controlled environment at my personal computer. I do pity all those hard workers who have such a tough job to do. Life is cruel. Cheer up, some of us are feeding caviar to our dogs in their 10,000 sq ft dog mansion.

[Frosty]

I like turtles.

[zraffz]

Who is saying road work is easy? While I can appreciate those who do hard physical labor, the jobs will only pay so much. Those folks chose their career so why should others not doing it feel bad for them? I'm sure no one feels too bad for me if I'm working 60+ hr weeks.

Nobody said anything about feeling bad for people. One person bashes the guy who is cleaning the back of a $60 sign that's making $15-22/hour. Then other person attacks prevailing wage. I'd love to see some prevailing wage jobs done by shady fly by night contractors and when people end up dying due to quality control of the final product, it won't be an issue!

But let's bash road construction guys instead of the guy who is sitting at home on welfare with his 70 grand a year in free benefits and nicer stuff then those union workers making a base salary of 52 grand a year... or the medical bills some illegal citizen racked up that is paid for on your dime...

[Blackbirdws6]

Nobody said anything about feeling bad for people. One person bashes the guy who is cleaning the back of a $60 sign that's making $15-22/hour. Then other person attacks prevailing wage. I'd love to see some prevailing wage jobs done by shady fly by night contractors and when people end up dying due to quality control of the final product, it won't be an issue!

But let's bash road construction guys instead of the guy who is sitting at home on welfare with his 70 grand a year in free benefits and nicer stuff then those union workers making a base salary of 52 grand a year... or the medical bills some illegal citizen racked up that is paid for on your dime...

You're missing my point. My comments were directed at the inefficiencies of government work on both sides of the table. I'm not critiquing the actual folks working the road except for the fact that most any laborer, road worker or not, expects more than the job pays. I'm not hating on anyone who does hard labor and even mentioned I respect it. Could I handle it? Maybe, maybe not but same could be said the other way around.

You are using strong words like attack and hate but I'm not seeing any of it in this thread. More like criticism.

[zraffz]

A lot of these guys are driving all up and down the east coast to job sites, sometimes staying months without seeing their family. I hardly think a fair, lower middle class, living of 52 grand (base) plus benefits is ridiculous wages. It sounds like an astronomical figure when you hear $62/hour (of that $37/hour is your actual hourly pay) but now consider that the asphalt they use is roughly $60/ton; I know a ton of asphalt sounds like a lot but that will get you a few feet of one lane.

I'd also like to point out that generally these big union companies aren't all crooks - they truck in the asphalt, install it and roll it for less money than most townships or companies can purchase and truck the asphalt for (this is no joke). This is why you do not see towns or small companies pave long roads.

[sweetbmxrider]

Nobody said anything about feeling bad for people. One person bashes the guy who is cleaning the back of a $60 sign that's making $15-22/hour. Then other person attacks prevailing wage. I'd love to see some prevailing wage jobs done by shady fly by night contractors and when people end up dying due to quality control of the final product, it won't be an issue!

But let's bash road construction guys instead of the guy who is sitting at home on welfare with his 70 grand a year in free benefits and nicer stuff then those union workers making a base salary of 52 grand a year... or the medical bills some illegal citizen racked up that is paid for on your dime...

None of your original comments said this. There are plenty of laborers on this site so bitching and moaning about hard work falls on deaf ears. Plenty of places where money is misused throughout the state, too. I can agree with your points. 8-)