New Jersey’s Republican Congressmen today sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine expressing their opposition to his proposed toll and restructuring plan. U.S. Congressmen Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), Jim Saxton (NJ-03), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Scott Garrett (NJ-05), Mike Ferguson (NJ-07) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) joined in calling for Governor Corzine to “seek alternatives to (his) proposal which would focus on containing the explosion of state spending over the last eight years.”

The full text of the letter to Governor Corzine is as follows:

February 13, 2008

Dear Governor Corzine:

We are writing to restate our vehement opposition to your so called “Save Our State” plan to restructure New Jersey’s $32 billion debt.

It is our understanding your plan would raise tolls on public highways in our state by over 800 percent, unfairly target New Jersey commuters, divert toll revenues from funding critical transportation priorities in favor of other state programs, and create a public benefit corporation to manage billions in toll revenues which is not accountable to the public. We believe your proposal would endanger our state’s tourist based economy, hinder job creation and further increase the cost of goods and services at a time when our economy is faltering and New Jersey residents are struggling to make ends meet. Finally, we are seriously concerned your proposal would increase congestion and undermine public safety on our local roads as trucks and other traffic divert off the highways to avoid increased tolls.

Rather than relying on the failed policies of higher taxes and increased bond financing, we encourage you to seek alternatives to your proposal which would focus on containing the explosion of state spending over the last eight years. Thank you for your consideration of our views.