This week, Democratic State Sen. Ray Lesniak proposed a five cent per gallon gas tax to pay for transportation repairs and improvements and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D) has indicated he would be open to considering several new taxes and fees to boost revenue for the state, including a tax on water consumption. Such tax hikes are driving residents to states with lower tax rates. In 2010 alone, New Jersey lost taxable income of $5.5 billion because residents changed their state of domicile. Our legislators must stop the excess taxes and spending, and lower property taxes and estate taxes.