More good news regarding the additional tax.
http://newjersey.news12.com/news/moody-s-gives-gas-tax-plan-credit-negative-outlook-1.12438922
http://newjersey.news12.com/news/moody-s-gives-gas-tax-plan-credit-negative-outlook-1.12438922
Now look at the marginal rates, assume somewhere between 1 and 2 percent, so you might save $2.30.
Can state curb trend?
...The reason they borrowed money to fix the roads over the past years is because NJ citizens more often vote for people who promise not to raise taxes. They won't vote for someone willing to try and fix the rotten system long-term...
Do you have a source for this or is this your opinion?
Here is the story I think - http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/debate-ballot-question-dedicate-fuel-tax-ttf/
My take away was slightly different:
A 'yes' vote will allow them to bond an additional $12 billion
A 'no' vote will force the governor and legislature to spend real money
Under no circumstances will this vote impact the new gas tax.
I think any way you slice it a significant portion of the incremental gas tax that went into effect this week will go towards debt service. Currently the NJ TTF is about $16 Billion in debt ( http://www.state.nj.us/ttfa/financing/bonds.shtm#outstanding ), on which the TTF will owe about $1.3 Billion in debt service each year ( http://www.state.nj.us/ttfa/financing/bonds.shtm#current ). Currently NJ collects a little north of $500 Million in fuel taxes ( http://www.state.nj.us/ttfa/financing/apprevenues.shtm ). The $500 Million is before the additional $0.23/gal.
What is owed at this point can't be changed - has to be paid one way or the other. Bonding more money just allows the illusion (delusion??) to continue.