deadline looms around the corner.

Although some smaller revenue-generating measures have been voted on, Corzine?s proposed sales tax increase is being met with resistance. Those against the hike say the governor must look at other viable sources of income to balance the budget. However, others say the sales tax increase is the only way to close the nearly $5 billion budget gap. Democratic Assembly leaders said Monday evening that they've decided to move toward a budget plan that does not include thesales tax hike.

Corzine?s plan calls for raising the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. The state has missed the deadline in the past without a problem. However, the governor has already started making plans to close state services.

Related Information:Click here to Sound Off! on the NJ government shutdown