JERSEY CITY -- Commuters in Hudson County aren't too happy about a bill that could increase the price of gas by nearly 25 cents per gallon.
Motorists filling up their vehicles at the 76 gas station on Routes 1&9 in Jersey City seemed upset and a bit confused over the proposed increase.
The state Assembly passed a bill early Tuesday morning to cut the sales tax by a penny while raising the gas tax by 23 cents a gallon to help replenish the state's ailing Transportation Trust Fund, NJ Advance Media reported.
The bill now must be approved by the Senate and then signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
"This will be tough for everybody," said Kala Singh, an attendant at the gas station. "They should be raising the minimum wage to help the working class, not tax them more."
Joseph Witte, 53, of Washington Township in Bergen County, said he will definitely feel the tax hike in his wallet. Moving or switching jobs could help minimize the impact felt by the gas tax increase, but they aren't realistic options for Witte, he said.
But not everyone was as concerned with the proposed increase.
Tom and Patty Benfer, of Summit, said that the higher gas prices would not have a significant effect on them. When asked how he felt about the reduction of the sales tax, Tom Benfer replied, "I'll believe that when I see it."
Nancy Bezies, a New York native who works all around New Jersey, looked on the bright side. She said compared to New York's current gas prices, a 23-cent increase is not that bad and if the gain in tax revenue will improve roads and transportation, she is on board.
Gas prices across the river in New York are stable at a price of 2.432 per gallon, according to AAA, while the price of gas at the 76 station was 1.99 per gallon today.
But for William Nin of Clifton, those without the extra cash to pay the increased price of gas will be affected the most.
"Taxing lower class workers should be the last thing to happen," said Nin, who has worked in Jersey City for 12 years. Among his main worries are being able to bring food to his family's table and not having to spend too much just to get to work.
Edgar Corrales, a driver for the C.R. England trucking company, said that the gas tax increase would definitely hurt truck owners in the state.
Meanwhile, many questioned the state's ability to budget "like a real person," and find the money for transportation by spending less on something else.
The Transportation Trust Fund, which is running out of money, finances road projects across the state.