Republican Congressman Under Fire for Telling Constituents to 'Get Another Job' Amid Gas Tax Increase

In a recent address to his constituents, Van Drew highlighted the compounding financial pressures facing families in the Garden State. While his supporters often praise his bluntness, his suggestion that citizens should essentially work themselves to the bone has been met with a wall of derision. The fallout has once again placed the spotlight on New Jersey's volatile political landscape and the deepening divide over economic policy.

The controversy began when Representative Van Drew spoke candidly about the fiscal burdens placed on New Jerseyans. He pointed to a series of automatic escalations in state-level expenses that have left many households struggling to keep pace with inflation.

'The list goes on and on of all the things. Our gas tax automatically increases in New Jersey, and by the way, so do our tolls and our fees automatically increase,' he said before sharing unsolicited advice to his constituents. 'I'm talking to my folks in New Jersey, my state, you better just keep breaking your back and working hard, maybe get yet another job.'

This suggestion of stacking jobs came at a time when the New Jersey gas tax increased by roughly £0.03 ($0.042) per gallon on 1 January 2026. The total tax rate on gasoline now sits at approximately £0.39 ($0.491) per gallon, making it one of the most expensive states for drivers in the country. For a resident commuting daily, these incremental increases in fuel, tolls, and miscellaneous fees can add hundreds of pounds to annual expenditures.

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/new-jersey-jeff-van-drew-backlash-gas-taxes-1790045