(07/05/06) FREEHOLD ? The casino closures in New Jersey have captured headlines, but the Monmouth County community is also feeling the fiscal pain of the state government shutdown.

The closure of state parks and beaches as part of the shutdown has had a trickle-down effect on business in the shore community. Thousands of paying customers who come to the area for the state facilities, including racetracks, are staying away during the closures. Employees who work for the state also contribute to the local economy, but they are being told to stay home.

A bit of misunderstanding on the part of visitors may also be to blame for the negative business impact. It appears some people may hear about the state closures on the radio and think all of the beaches are closed. This is not the case, only state-run facilities are affected.

Related information:Click here to Sound Off! on the NJ government shutdown Extended footage of Corzine's Wednesday speech to lawmakers Expanded state shutdown fails to yield immediate NJ budget breakthrough Atlantic City casinos close amid state government shutdown News 12 New Jersey's coverage of opinions at the State House New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Overview of the New Jersey government shut-down Casino, park shutdowns loom amid emergency budget session in Trenton Corzine calls lawmakers to Trenton for special holiday budget session