July 05, 2006
New Jersey Budget Impasse Closes Atlantic City
Many who voted for John Kerry continue to display his campaign bumper stickers on their cars, as do many who voted for George W. Bush in the 2004 election.
I wonder how many New Jersey voters who said "yes" to John Corzine for governor are keeping their bumper stickers visible?
ATLANTIC CITY - The casinos here did the unimaginable this morning and ceased all gambling operations amid a state budget impasse that idled New Jersey's gambling inspectors.
[...]
Gov. Corzine, in a speech this morning on the budget crisis that has gripped the state, defended his budget proposal and said he had no choice in closing state services.
"It is deplorable that the people of this state are left in such a painful position," he said. "The people of New Jersey have every right to be angry."
Corzine and the Legislature remain about $1 billion apart on a balanced budget. Corzine has proposed increasing the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent to close the gap, while Democratic lawmakers remain steadfastly opposed to it.
Corzine's action brought a quick halt to lottery sales and road construction on Saturday. State parks, campgounds and race tracks were also to close this morning as the historic government shutdown enters a fifth day. Atlantic City's casinos, which cannot operate without state inspectors, will remain shut until the state adopts a budget.
I wonder if Corzine thinks the voters should be angry at the legislature or at him?
While one may or may not condone gambling, to close down an industry that brings millions to the state's coffers because legislators cannot agree on a budget is considered foolhardy by many, as the state stands to lose $1.3 million in tax revenue each day the casinos are closed.
Not only that, but the people who work at the casinos who depend on that paycheck are now getting the shaft.
My friend Jeanette, who lives in New Jersey with her husband, said in an e-mail, "Don and I can only take comfort in that we did not vote for him!!!!!!!"
Corzine didn't take a salary because he's a millionaire in his own right. It's too bad that didn't make up the budget shortfall.
UPDATE (2:45 pm): Here is a sampling of what folks in New Jersey think of the shutdown.
Show Comments »
Lest not we forget he promised not to raise taxes! He has even lost the support of many of his Democrat cronies because of his blatant lie.
I saw a funny posting on NJ.com - a man quipped since the state is shut down, I don't have to pay sales tax till it re-opens then right? And I get to pro-rate my income tax, correct?
The good news is the welfare checks were sent out for July BEFORE the closure and the funds are there to cover these checks!!
Mohegan Sun thanks John Corzine for the new customers!
What a brilliant move, kill the tourist industry to Atlantic City.
Posted by: husband-dude at July 5, 2006 04:33 PM
