The New Jersey Business and Industry Association says the state has lost almost $21 billion dollars in adjusted gross income over the past 11 years to so-called "outmigration."
The gas tax appears to have the support needed to pass Friday in the Senate. Could public pressure change any minds, or did Wednesday just delay the inevitable?
If out-of-state drivers stop buying as much gas in New Jersey once the tax increases, it could push the hike above 23 cents. Lower sales would mean a higher tax.
State Senator Jennifer Beck said she remains opposed to an increase in the state gas tax but most other members of the legislature were quiet about it.
As gas prices in New Jersey have stayed below $2.00 a gallon here in Ocean County for the better part of a year now, that trend looks like it's officially over.