Budget Impasse Shuts Down N.J. Government

[steven]

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Gov. Jon S. Corzine closed the state government Saturday amid a bitter dispute with fellow Democrats in the Assembly over his plan to increase the sales tax, threatening to shutter beaches, parks and possibly casinos in the coming days.

After Saturday's constitutional deadline to adopt a new balanced budget passed without agreement, Corzine signed an executive order just after 9:30 a.m., a grim climax to weeks of budget squabbling among Democrats who control state government but haven't been able to agree on a budget bill.

"It gives me no joy, no satisfaction, no sense of empowerment to do what I'm forced to do here," Corzine said.

Within minutes of Corzine signing the order, road construction projects were required to begin winding down. Motor vehicle offices planned to close at noon. About 45,000 state employees were immediately furloughed. State courts were closed for anything but emergencies.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...E&SECTION=HOME

[NoCtUrNaL]

Government agencies shutting down....per chance to dream.


Does this mean the citizens of that area will have their tax bill prorated?

[tronix75]

If this could only happen in NYS, like permanently. It would be far better than the yoke we bear now.

[biker]

I bet Corzine had two thoughts running through his head when he signed this:

1)"Why the heck did I want to be a public sector chief executive? Now I actually have to do something and have everyone watch me;

2)I wonder if I can get the press to blame the Legislature, just like Clinton did.

[steven]

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's casinos ushered the last of the gamblers away from slot machines and tables Wednesday, and janitors locked the doors behind them as a state government shutdown claimed its latest victims.

In the first mass closure in the 28-year history of Atlantic City's legalized gambling trade, all 12 casinos were dark.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine addressed the Legislature at the Statehouse Wednesday morning, defending his position as a stalemate over the state budget entered its fifth day with no deal in sight. Corzine wants to raise the state sale tax from 6 percent to 7 percent to close a $4.5 billion state budget gap; lawmakers oppose the tax increase, estimated to cost the average New Jersey family $275 per year.

When the Legislature missed its July 1 deadline to pass a state budget because of the dispute, Corzine ordered the government shut down.

The closure of the Atlantic City casinos is a particularly hard hit. They have a $1.1 billion payroll, and the state takes an 8 percent cut - an estimated $1.3 million a day.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...07-05-11-02-29

[biker]

With Eliot sauntering towards the governorship and the Senate having a serious chance of going Democratic, the probablility that all three power centers will be in Democratic hands is increasing daily.

When that happens, we already have an example of what is in store for us: we'll be the new New Jersey.

[WestSideJohn]

Yes, because spending has dropped so nicely with Republicans in charge of Congress and the White House. Oh wait, no it hasn't... it's gone up by 35%.

Both parties spend. Anyone who tries to paint spending as one party's problem is either ignorant or a liar. Or, in this case, both.

[steven]

You guys are just foaming at the mouth waiting for elections arent you?

C'mon be honest, the board is pretty dull compared to election season.

I am as well, I have been agreeing with both of you way to much lately, Im sure elections will clear all that up

[biker]

I'm not sure what WSJ is saying, as he's on ignore.

But if you're agreeing with both of us, I think the triffids have landed.

[DR_GONZO]

$1.3 million a day in casino revenue and yet there is a $4.5 billion state budget gap in tiny little NJ? Now taxes must be raised? What the hell are they spending their money on to begin with? I thought Erie county was bad. I thought NYS was bad. But tiny little New Jersey? I will say one thing, if this were a company, the budget director would have been fired years ago. I'm starting to think that this country is outsourcing the wrong jobs overseas. Status Quo regarding failed politicians and their tax increases/new fees/higher fees has to stop. It is crippling this nation.