Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) criticized the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties for asking the Corzine administration to reconsider the imposition of tolls on Routes 78 and 80, along with increasing the state gas tax, as an alternative to the Corzine toll hike scheme.

"With the economy souring and gas prices soaring, business prospects are becoming increasingly uncertain," stated Bucco. "New Jersey businesses and families cannot afford adding tolls to these heavily traveled thoroughfares or increases to the gas tax. These two ideas, as well as Governor Corzine’s original plan to increase tolls 800% on the Turnpike, Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, should be immediately abandoned."

The group, which has 550 members in New Jersey, sent a letter to Governor Corzine last week suggesting that spreading out the toll hikes on all major highways would be a better alternative to cut the state’s debt and fund transportation projects.

"We must put an end to Trenton’s insatiable thirst for tax dollars," concluded Bucco. "A systemic search for ways to cut spending should be our first priority, rather than just looking for new ways to increase revenue."