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In a move that has drawn attention statewide, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has vetoed the proposed budget of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, effectively putting a stop to the upcoming toll hike. The decision comes in response to what Murphy perceives as an inadequate justification for the toll increases.
The proposed budget, which was passed earlier this week, included a three-percent hike in highway tolls set to take effect from January 1st. This would have marked the fourth consecutive annual increase on the Garden State Parkway and Jersey Turnpike.
Governor Murphy's decision aligns with calls from top Democrats in the New Jersey legislature who had urged him to halt the toll hikes. The veto comes at a critical time, less than two weeks before Election Day, with Democrats hoping to maintain their majorities in both houses. Murphy's move is seen as a response to growing public discontent over the continuous toll hikes. The Governor took to social media to announce his decision, stating his dissatisfaction with the justification provided for the increases.
The veto of the proposed budget means that commuters on New Jersey's highways can expect some relief from increasing toll costs, at least for now. However, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the Turnpike Authority's infrastructure funding in the long run.