Impending Gas Tax Hike Opposed by Nearly 60 Percent of New Jersey Residents

Increase would cost the average driver about 50 cents more per day – or $180 annually

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – An increase in the gasoline tax now seems all but certain in New Jersey, but opposition persists among most residents, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. As talks between Gov. Chris Christie and legislative leaders are anticipated in the coming month on this issue, about six in 10 are against hiking the gas tax for any reason. Thirty-seven percent support the increase, compared with 57 percent who do not, a slightly more negative turn since the issue was last polled in February. There is virtually no change when residents are told the revenue would be dedicated entirely to paying for road maintenance and improvement and other transportation costs: 36 percent support an increase while 58 percent do not.

When respondents are told a gas tax hike would cost the average driver about 50 cents more per day – or $180 annually – their opposition grows stronger: only 29 percent support the hike, while 66 percent oppose it.

“New Jerseyans have remained adamant in their opposition to a gas tax hike over the past 18 months, even as news continues about a near-broke Transportation Trust Fund and the need for many important repairs to the state’s transportation infrastructure,” said Ashley Koning, assistant director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University. “New Jerseyans agree more money is needed for this upkeep, but even when told specifically how the extra revenue would be used, they do not want it coming out of their own pockets.”

A corresponding cut in estate and inheritance taxes, a trade-off allegedly supported by Christie, does not make the gas tax hike any more appealing to New Jerseyans. Just 31 percent (down six points since last December) say they would be more likely to support an increase in the gas tax if it were linked to a cut in estate taxes, while 44 percent say this would make them less supportive of a higher gas tax. Sixteen percent say it would make no difference, and 10 percent remain unsure. 

Cheaper gas prices in recent months somewhat soften the blow: 48 percent say now would be a better time for a gas tax hike, although 32 percent say it would be a worse time, and 15 percent say no time is good.

Opinions on local and state roads remain steady; 37 percent say the former are in excellent or good condition, while 55 percent say the same of the latter. Nevertheless, 54 percent believe not enough money is spent on road, highway and bridge maintenance.

Results are from a statewide poll of 935 adults contacted by live callers on both landlines and cell phones from October 3 to 10, 2015. The sample has a margin of error of +/-3.6 percentage points. Interviews were done in English and, when requested, Spanish.

For more on the poll, click here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: ATTENTION POLITICAL, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS, poll Assistant Director Ashley Koning may be contacted at 908-872-1186 (cell), 848-932-8940 (office), or akoning@rutgers.edu until 11 p.m. Poll Director David Redlawsk may be reached at 319-400-1134 (cell) or redlawsk@rutgers.edu. Find all releases at http://eagletonpoll.rutgers.edu, and visit our blog at http://eagletonpollblog.wordpress.com for additional commentary. Follow the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RutgersEagletonPoll and Twitter @EagletonPoll.