Murphy Vetoes 3 Percent Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike Toll Hikes

Governor Murphy has vetoed the toll hike for the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike.  The move comes as the New Jersey Turnpike Authority had approved it's gigantic, multi-billion dollar budget which included a 3% hike on both of the state's major toll roads.  The Turnpike Authority blamed the toll increase on inflation.

Here's what Murphy tweeted about his decision yesterday:  "I am not satisfied with the justification provided for the toll increases reflected in the budget and need more information for why the board is taking this step."

Members of his own Democratic party and members of the opposition Republican party had called for the Governor to make this move, which comes just days before early voting begins in the state's mid-term elections.  Had Governor Murphy not acted the toll increase on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike would have gone into effect on January 1st, 2024. the 3% increase would have made most exit tolls along the Parkway go from 75 to 77 cents.  The Toms River and Asbury Tolls would have gone from $2.10 to $2.16.

Had the toll increase gone into effect it would have been the 4th toll hike in 4 years.  But, at least for now, the toll hike is off because the Governor has vetoed the toll hike.

Michael's point about the Garden State Parkway being the only north/south route in Ocean county hits home.  The other is Route 9 and I don't have to tell you how awful the traffic is on Route 9 during the morning and afternoon rush hours.  Especially through Lakewood, Route 9 is a brutal ride.  The Parkway is pretty much a monopoly.

The question is: how long will this pause on the toll hike increase last? Considering the fact that the mid-term election is just a few days away (early in-person voting begins October 28th) will Governor Murphy just wait a few weeks and re-introduce the toll increase?  Only time will tell.

I had never heard of Wawa until I arrived in New Jersey In September of 1996.

The way locals talked about the place, you’d think it was some sort of magical kingdom.

What is so great about this convenience store? I knew mostly from 7-11 back home on Long Island, and a few of the Speedy Mart places attached to gas stations. We didn’t have Quik Chek back home either. Long Island needs to step up it’s game.

My brother, who still lives on Long Island, has been to a few Wawa locations on his trips down to South Jersey. It took one or 2 trips for him to “Get it.”
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I didn’t really catch on until living in Jersey for a few months. I was slow on the uptake. I can hear the blonde jokes heading my way. Just be relieved I finally know why people love Wawa.

Wawa coffee is my liquid gold. I don’t buy it every morning, but I do buy it often. The Cuban Roast is my favorite. A hearty dark brew will only do.
I used to get the flavored coffees back in the day, but they just didn’t satisfy my desire for a rich dark roast.

When it comes to Wawa food choices, I have several favorites. The Napa chicken salad with dried cranberries and walnuts is near the top of my list. It tastes like I made it myself. They also have a grilled chicken salad that I like.

The soups, especially the cream of broccoli, are very good and not too salty. I hate oversalted soups, gross.

Wawa also has a secret menu. According to Wikihow, You can access Wawa’s secret menu, by approaching the touchscreen kiosk in the store, then click on the goose icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Most of Wawa’s secret menu items are seasonal, meaning you can only order them during certain months.
Check out Wawa’s app and website for their current promotions on secret and official menu items.

The inspiration for this article came from a post from Dane DeMarco, from Audubon, New Jersey, asking foodie folks, “What’s Your Wawa Weakness.”
Thanks Dane, this has crossed my mind as well.

Let’s find out which items on Wawa’s menu, Jersey folks have a weakness for.

Wait, what? Wawa has pierogi quesadillas? Tori chimed in with this item and we all had questions. She told us that it's a tortilla filled with cheddar, bacon, sauteed onions, mashed potatoes. Tori also added she loves dipping hers in sour cream.

It's that time of year for this seasonal hoagie or bowl of comfort food. Served only in the Fall, The Gobbler is Thanksgiving in a bowl or the Hoagie version if you prefer. The bowl or hoagie is stuffed with hot turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. You can also choose to add mashed or sweet potatoes. 

Made with pork and beef on your chosen size hoagie roll. You can get the cheese of your choice. Provolone seems to be a favorite.

Rich wrote: I buy the family size of meatballs in a cup (you get 15 meatballs), and use them in my own sauce at home. Either with Angel Hair/Cappelini or with rolls from Liscio/Del Bueno. Better than Wawa rolls. The meatballs are the key. Good to know, Rich.

I love the Jalapeno Cream Cheese stuffed pretzel .They also have: Sweet Cream Cheese Stuffed Pretzel, & Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Pretzel. Some Wawas used to have mozzarella and marinara stuffed pretzels. It was like pizza in pretzel form.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnxddcKrevp/

So many varieties, but only 4 choices per day. I mentioned Cream of Broccoli as one of my faves. Other varieties mentioned: Spicy Tomato Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Chicken Corn Chowder, New England Clam Chowder, Italian Wedding Soup, Chicken Tortilla, and many more.  Check your app for daily offerings, or call your local Wawa ahead of time.

There are several varieties of Sizzli Sandwiches served on croissants, bagels, biscuits, burritos, and even pancakes and waffles.

Wawa has several varieties of Mac & Cheese: Classic, Buffalo, Ranch, Garlic Aoli, Chipoltle, and Sriracha, and your own custom variety.

Michele E. goes all out for this Wawa classic, and she's not alone.

Wawa has egg rolls? More than a few folks mentioned Wawa egg rolls. Another item I had no idea existed. It might be a South Jersey or Philly thing. I need to check my local Wawas.

Kate M. loves this wild combo:

Nancy P. and a few others love the Lattes. Nancy likes hers with a scoop of protein powder. The Apple Caramel Latte is available this time of year.

I see them in the baked goods case every time I walk by to get my coffee. More than a few people mentioned that, that particular baked good was their weakness.

A few brave souls mentioned Wawa pizza. No judgement here. I'd try it.

It's not just to keep the kids quiet, it's for adults too. It's kind of healthy. Well, the apple part.

These potato treasures were mentioned by a few folks. I've had them once or twice because they were sitting there in the heated case looking at me while I waited online.

This should be illegal.  However, Wawa's cheesecake smoothies and milkshakes are made without artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or high fructose corn syrup.   I will be lining up for this masterpiece.