Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) has summoned lawmakers to Trenton for a special July 4 budget session in an attempt to end New Jersey's government shutdown.

The announcement of the session occurred after talks between Corzine and Democratic Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. broke down. The 40-minute meeting ended in frustration over Corzine's plan to raise the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. If there's no budget agreement by Tuesday night, all state parks will be closed Wednesday morning. Casinos would also be forced to close Wednesday morning unless an agreement is reached.

An appellate court rejected an attempt by the casinos to stay open during the appeals process. All state motor vehicle offices are currently closed until a new budget is in place. Licenses, registrations and inspections that expired on June 30 have been extended for another month. About 45,000 state employees are on furlough with the exception of personnel deemed necessary, such as state troopers and prison guards. Related Information Click here to Sound Off! on the NJ government shutdown NJ taxpayers brace for financial backlash over government shutdown NJ Motor Vehicle Commission NJDEP - Division of Parks and Forestry