(06/30/06) TRENTON ? Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and opponents to his proposed budget continue to stare each other down as the midnight Friday deadline for an approved spending plan came and went.

Although New Jersey leaders have missed the budget deadline four times in the past five years, the state government was not interrupted in those cases. However, Corzine is prepared to sign an executive order Saturday that would initiate a shutdown of government services. Services such as the lottery would be affected first. Although parks would also be ordered closed, they would remain open throughout the Fourth of July weekend.

Casinos would also be affected by the shutdown due to the state government?s monitoring of gambling. Although casino representatives filed a temporary restraining order against the shutdown, a judge rejected their attempt. The main sticking point in the budget battle is Corzine?s plan to raise the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. Essential personnel, such as state troopers, would remain on the job throughout the possible shutdown.

Related information: Click here to Sound Off! on the NJ government shutdownGovernor Corzine, lawmakers huddle up as budget deadline looms