Suspending New Jersey's gas tax could save drivers about half a dollar per gallon, but it could also impact funding for critical infrastructure projects.
President Donald Trump has supported suspending the federal gas tax, which is 18 cents per gallon. New Jersey's state gas tax is the eighth-highest in the nation at 49 cents per gallon.
Three states have suspended their gas taxes as prices continue to rise.
These taxes fund transportation infrastructure, including highway repairs, bridges and public transit. New Jersey’s gas tax is expected to raise more than $2.1 billion this fiscal year.
Some residents that News 12 spoke with said they would trade that for relief at the pump.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R - District 2) has introduced a bill to pause the federal gas tax for 18 months, and called for a similar state suspension.
On the first episode of News 12’s “Ask Governor Sherrill” program Thursday, the governor said she opposes the idea because the tax funds critical projects.
"It sounds like, 'Oh, just get rid of the gas tax.' That pays for our roads and our bridges and keeping our infrastructure going," Sherrill (D) said. "You just heard about the concrete falling and the GW Bridge. That's because, over time, you have seen too many people cutting corners on how you actually run government."