Citing a recent NJTV report, Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove lambasted comments made by certain legislators demanding that rail projects in North Jersey get top billing for new revenue generated from the recent gas tax increase.

Connors, Rumpf & Gove lambasted comments made by certain legislators demanding that rail projects in North Jersey get top billing for new revenue generated from the recent gas tax increase. (SenateNJ.com)

Connors, Rumpf and Gove made the following remarks in response to the report:

“This media report just confirms what our delegation said from the beginning, motorists paying this unconscionable tax increase would be forced to watch as the revenue is funneled to North Jersey mass transit projects. This was one of the many reasons why our delegation vehemently opposed and voted against the gas tax increase legislation and, moreover, why we were extremely disappointed that Governor Christie signed it.

As we predicted, north Jersey already eyeing up gas tax revenue 4 mass transit. https://t.co/v2shMDWhgo

— Connors, Rumpf, Gove (@9thDistrictNJ) October 27, 2016

“From the outset, we justifiably argued that our constituency would be disparately impacted by a gas tax increase as we represent a largely commuting district with no access to mass transit. As predicted, North Jersey has already been making power plays to secure a disproportionate share of transportation funding for mass transit, despite the fact that there is no benefit to motorists who are footing the bill.

“Why should our constituents pay more at the pump so the first order of business can be to improve rail service for someone living across the state? It’s an affront to people’s sense of fundamental fairness and feeds into the growing narrative that the system is rigged.

“To mitigate the financial hardship deliberately imposed on our constituents through the gas tax increase, we introduced legislation to provide for a gross income tax deduction on fuel taxes paid by motorists for their personal vehicles. Instead of dividing up the spoils, supporters of the gas tax increase should recognize that something is going to have to be done to assist those middle class families hit hardest by the gas tax increase.”