Holzapfel, McGuckin & Catalano: ‘Toll Hike Hearings Are Wrong During Public Health Crisis’

Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano of the 10th Legislative District released a statement calling for the halt of hearings and plans to increase tolls during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.

Stating that the timing couldn’t be worse, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano called on the Murphy Administration to stall plans for a toll increase during the coronavirus crisis. (SenateNJ.com)

The lawmakers state that this push for a toll hike couldn’t come at a worse time when New Jersey is facing an economic fallout from this public health crisis.

“We call on Governor Phil Murphy, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti to immediately stop any hearings, plans or discussions to increase our Parkway or Turnpike tolls at this time. We are in the middle of a state-wide public health emergency that caused a massive economic fallout and thousands of jobs terminated.  The timing couldn’t be any worse for these hearings and we are vehemently against any increases at this time.

“We want our residents to have a proper say in any potential toll hikes that will affect the lives of commuters and businesses throughout the state.  It’s the wrong time, period.  These hearings must be stopped now.”