NJ government shutdown continues amid political stalemate

<p>Day two of New Jersey's government shutdown began Sunday after lawmakers left a special Saturday session on the budget without coming to an agreement.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 2, 2017, 1:42 PM

Updated 2,482 days ago

Share:

NJ government shutdown continues amid political stalemate
New Jersey's government shutdown continues after lawmakers left Sunday’s session on the budget without coming to an agreement.
The shutdown has come down to a disagreement between Christie and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto. Christie says he won't sign the budget unless it includes a measure to use the state's largest health insurer's, Horizon Blue Cross's, surplus money to fund treatment for opioid use. Democrats are split, with Speaker Prieto opposed to the plan, but Democratic Senate President, Steve Sweeney behind it.
Prieto said he is open to a bill on Horizon Blue Cross that is separate from the budget.
Christie has threatened to line-item veto funding for 72 projects that Democrats have pushed for if he doesn't get the Horizon Bill passed. One of those projects is the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which relies on state money to stay open.
"I want everyone to understand and I've said this today to all of the leaders of the legislature," Christie said in a press conference Sunday. "The legislature is making a choice here. This government is not open because I can't constitutionally let it be open. I don't have any money and so, as of July 1, I had no money. Now I’ve told them I will sign a budget if they send it to me."
The shutdown does not affect state police or NJ Transit service but has closed down non-essential services like state parks and the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Since an agreement on a budget has still not been reached the shutdown remains in effect. 


More from News 12
2:23
Rutgers police: Person charged for shooting people with Orbeez gun

Rutgers police: Person charged for shooting people with Orbeez gun

3:40
Police: Marlboro Township Public Schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive 'unfounded' bomb threats

Police: Marlboro Township Public Schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive 'unfounded' bomb threats

1:59
Dreary end to the week with some rain returning by Friday afternoon

Dreary end to the week with some rain returning by Friday afternoon

0:27
Police: Husband and wife stole jewelry from Bridgewater retirement facility

Police: Husband and wife stole jewelry from Bridgewater retirement facility

0:29
GoFundMe pages created for Paterson families displaced by house fires

GoFundMe pages created for Paterson families displaced by house fires

2:43
‘Now he literally has a part of me.’ Brother donates part of his liver to twin

‘Now he literally has a part of me.’ Brother donates part of his liver to twin

0:16
Police: Man tried to stab UPS driver who refused to give him a ride

Police: Man tried to stab UPS driver who refused to give him a ride

0:41
Jersey Proud: Holi celebration held at Cooper University Hospital in Camden

Jersey Proud: Holi celebration held at Cooper University Hospital in Camden

0:29
Police: North Carolina man killed in crash on Garden State Parkway in Irvington

Police: North Carolina man killed in crash on Garden State Parkway in Irvington

House of Independents announces initial summer lineup following temporary closure due to flooding damage

House of Independents announces initial summer lineup following temporary closure due to flooding damage

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald says Travis Green is part of his search for a new coach

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald says Travis Green is part of his search for a new coach

Atlantic City mayor: I'm committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges

Atlantic City mayor: I'm committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges

1:55
Bear-resistant trash cans being provided for 6 New Jersey towns

Bear-resistant trash cans being provided for 6 New Jersey towns

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

0:18
Dover police warn residents of men in face coverings knocking on doors

Dover police warn residents of men in face coverings knocking on doors

0:26
‘Stand Your Ground’ bill introduced in New Jersey

‘Stand Your Ground’ bill introduced in New Jersey

0:30
Stepson of former ‘Real Housewives’ star Siggy Flicker arrested in connection on Jan. 6 charges

Stepson of former ‘Real Housewives’ star Siggy Flicker arrested in connection on Jan. 6 charges

0:23
Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

2:47
Capturing the moment at Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick

Capturing the moment at Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips