Murphy promises gas tax 'relief' for NJ, but when?

Even as gas prices keep creeping down, Gov. Phil Murphy is promising more relief.

What type of relief, and when you might see it, remains a question.

AAA reports the average price of gas has dropped to $4.07 for regular in New Jersey, down 8 cents a over the last week. At the current pace, gas could drop below an average of $4 per gallon by next week.

gasprices.aaa.com

Still, Murphy says prices are "astronomical," and the state will "almost certainly" offer some type of relief.

Speaking on News 12, Murphy was vague about what form that relief will take.

"I'm not sure it's direct to gas," Murphy said, "but I'm virtually certain it's something."

New Jersey is unlikely to offer a "gas tax holiday" as some other states have done. Due to the way the gas tax is regulated in New Jersey, any drop in gas tax revenue could actually result in a future spike in prices.

Murphy is continuing to urge the federal government to suspend its gas tax. "They can print money, we can't," Murphy has said.

The governor also continues to express support for a proposal put forth by State Sen. Ed Durr (R-Gloucester) that would give residents a direct rebate of $500 to offset the price of gas.

Another idea Murphy said he was intrigued by was offering free rides on mass transit. He pointed to Connecticut, where bus rides will be free for three months to offset commuting costs.

That, however, is less likely to produce the kind of relief many drivers have been hoping for, since bussing is not an option for many who commute to work and school in New Jersey.

While Murphy remained committed to relief, he said state officials are still trying to figure out what will have "the highest bang for the buck," to offset both high gas prices and record inflation.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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NJ county fairs make a comeback: Check out the schedule for 2022

UPDATED 4/10: A current list of county fairs happening across the Garden State for 2022. From rides, food, animals, and hot air balloons, each county fair has something unique to offer.

(Fairs are listed in geographical order from South NJ to North NJ)

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Every NJ city and town's municipal tax bill, ranked

A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.