Gov. Jon Corzine (D) hauled lawmakers in to work on the Fourth of July, imploring them to end a budget standoff that has shut down many government services. Tuesday's special session came after lawmakers missed the July 1 constitutional deadline to approve a new budget. Without a budget, the government cannot spend money. "Make no mistake, people are being hurt, and unfortunately more will be hurt in the days ahead," the governor told the lawmakers.Meanwhile, Atlantic City's 12 casinos fought in court to keep from being dragged into the dispute. The shutdown means casinos will have to halt gambling at 8 a.m. Wednesday if no deal is reached at the Statehouse.
N.J. lawmakers reject Corzine compromise
Legislators opposed to Gov. Jon S. Corzine's proposal to raise the sales tax rejected a compromise sought by the governor Tuesday and began devising their own budget plan, which might involve an income tax increase. Members of the state Assembly budget panel planned to spend the night crafting a new plan, said Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. Tuesday's special session came three days after Corzine started shutting down state government because lawmakers missed the July 1 constitutional deadline to approve a new budget. Without a budget, the government can't spend money.