(07/06/06) NEPTUNE ? A budget compromise may have been reached late Thursday, but that was no comfort to people trying to file claims at the state unemployment office in Neptune.

All non-essential staff members didn?t work during the shutdown, but to some, collecting unemployment benefits is extremely essential. Disgruntled residents can?t understand why they were forced to go without their money. They also don?t think it?s fair of state officials to take away job-hunting resources from those who are out of work.

Representatives of the Department of Labor could not be reached for comment.

Related information:Click here to Sound Off! on the NJ government shutdown Governor Corzine, top legislative leaders strike budget deal