NEW YORK, NY January 09, 2008 —New Jersey's Governor Jon Corzine got a thumbs-up from his legislative democratic leadership for his ambitious plan to reduce the states multi-billion dollar debt, and fund infrastructure rehab. Now he has to sell it to the voters. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more on the plan.

First off, it's complicated. The governor might want to nickname his toll plan “paygo,” but emphasize it won't be just New Jersey drivers who pay more to use state highways. In his State of the State speech yesterday Corzine called for a 50-percent increase in tolls on the Turnpike, the Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway.

Increases would start in 2010 and continue every 4 years through 2022. But, the governor also said those roads are used mostly paid by commercial and out of state drivers. Corzine also wants to create an independent non-political public benefit corporation to manage the busy toll roads, but more importantly it will sell 4O billion dollars worth of bonds backed by the hefty toll hikes. The bond money would be used to pay down half of the state's 32 billion dollar debt and fund repairs for some 7OO bridges in need of attention.

This Saturday afternoon in Livingston Governor Corzine kicks off his 21 County sales push with voters. Republicans were sharply critical of the Corzine's approach, likening the stiff toll hikes to a new road tax. The Governor does have to get the legislature to sign off on the plan.