NEW YORK, NY January 08, 2008 —Governor Corzine used his state of the state address today to beseech lawmakers to tackle New Jersey's chronic budget woes by hiking highway tolls by fifty percent, in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

REPORTER: The increases would be used to help cut state debt, and pay for transportation work. Corzine says before critics rush to judgment, they should take a look at the numbers.

CORZINE: Under the proposal in 5 years, that trip will be $2.05, in 2, more years, it will be $5.80. By comparison the average trip today is $1.21.

REPORTER: The governor also is proposing amending New Jersey's constitution to require voters to approve most state borrowing. Republicans say the toll increases are akin to a "massive tax" on every citizen. Some Democrats were also reluctant to use transportation assets to help balance the general budget.