FRANKLIN — Gov. Chris Christie insists that the $1.50 hike on tolls approved today by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey isn't a tax increase. "It's a user fee," Christie said at a press conference today. "It's not a tax. I know what a tax is and what it looks like." He added, "You can look...
Gov. Chris Christie said today that toll hikes approved on Hudson River crossing should not be considered a tax increase.FRANKLIN — Gov. Chris Christie insists that the $1.50 hike on tolls approved today by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey isn't a tax increase.
"It's a user fee," Christie said at a press conference today. "It's not a tax. I know what a tax is and what it looks like."
He added, "You can look at a pig and call it a horse and if lots of people call it a horse, it's still a pig."
Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed off on the tax hike on Hudson River crossings Thursday, bringing it down from the initial proposed $4 increase. Christie said he is demanding a "top to bottom" audit of the finances and management of the Port Authority as it moves forward with the increases.
Christie said those calling it a "tax" are simply Democrats who are "so desperate" for a tax increase that they'll call anything a tax increase.
"The way you describe these people are know-nothings and do-nothings," Christie said of his critics.
Related coverage:
• Port Authority approves modified toll, fare hike for Hudson River crossings PATH
• Gov. Christie, N.Y. Gov. Cuomo say OK to scaled-back toll hikes
• Govs. Christie, Cuomo announce $1.50 Port Authority toll hike
• Toll hike hearings in New York and New Jersey draw supporters and opponents
• Ahead of Port Authority toll-hike vote, N.Y. audit says agency wastes millions on overtime