(06/28/06) TRENTON ? Unlike the plentiful floodwaters throughout the Garden State, patience among lawmakers was in short supply during budget sessions Wednesday.

The Assembly Budget Committee met for just 10 minutes, saying they won?t vote on a budget unless Governor Jon Corzine stops holding a veto threat over their heads. Many lawmakers say they want to try and solve New Jersey?s $5 billion budget shortfall without a sales tax increase. However, Corzine says he?ll veto any version that doesn?t include the tax hike unless it offers very real solutions.

Republicans feel the budget fight will stretch past the July 1 deadline. Corzine has already started making plans to close state services if that becomes necessary.