(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) released the following statement on Thursday regarding public question #2, which responsibly constitutionally dedicates all fuel tax revenue to transportation needs. Prieto was the prime sponsor of the ballot question resolution (ACR-1 from 2014-15):
“The lieutenant governor seems to have a complete and total misunderstanding of the ballot question, which is very troublesome. The lieutenant governor doubles as the Secretary of State, who is in charge of our elections. Has our elections chief even read the ballot question?
“This is basic stuff: the ballot question that I sponsored with fellow Democrats focused on fiscal responsibility and spending restraint has nothing to do with a gas tax increase.
“The ballot question, rather, ensures all fuel tax revenue goes toward roads, bridges and mass transit, as it should, and not other budget needs. The ballot question has nothing whatsoever to do with the level of fuel taxation.
“Those who support fiscal responsibility should support the ballot question.
“Those OK with gas tax money being used on other budget needs are free to oppose it, but that’s the type of reckless policy that has caused so many problems in New Jersey.”