Overview

• New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy vetoed the Turnpike Authority's proposed 2024 budget, thus postponing a planned 3% toll increase.
• The veto came amid the ongoing legislative midterm election and after Democratic leaders urged the governor to block the increase, citing the struggles of New Jersey families amidst inflation.
• While Murphy's decision has drawn skepticism over political motives, he insisted that the veto was not politically motivated but rather based on the need for more information to justify the toll increase.
• The New Jersey Turnpike Authority's proposed budget was $2.6 billion, and it operates both the Garden State Parkway and the Turnpike.
• Despite the veto, the Authority spokesperson expressed respect for the governor's decision and committed to providing the additional information requested by Murphy.