The Latest on New Jersey's budget stalemate (all times local):

Gov. Chris Christie is defending his use of a beach closed to the public during New Jersey's government shutdown, saying he had previously announced his vacation plans and the media had simply "caught a politician keeping his word."

The Republican governor was photographed Sunday by NJ.com at Island Beach State Park sitting on a beach chair in sandals and a T-shirt before flying to talk to reporters in Trenton.

Christie tells WTXF-TV in Philadelphia on Monday that he had earlier said he planned to be at the state-owned governor's beach house regardless of whether there was a shutdown.

He says the media "caught a politician keeping his word" and adds New Jersey "has beaches for 120 miles" so there are plenty of options for anyone wanting a beach day as the Fourth of July approaches.

New Jersey's budget stalemate between Republican Gov. Chris Christie and the Democrat-controlled Legislature is smoldering with the state government shut down and state parks closed to the public as the Fourth of July approaches.

Christie spent part of Sunday lounging with his family at a beach in a state park he had ordered closed. He said he'd sign any budget lawmakers sent to him and blamed the shutdown of nonessential services on Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto.

Christie says he'd consider the Democratic budget along with legislation to overhaul the state's biggest health insurer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. He says without the Horizon legislation he has called for he'd line item veto $350 million of the Democratic priorities.

Prieto is holding open a deadlocked vote on the Assembly floor on the $34.7 billion budget. </s> Chris Christie’s beach vacation has become a point of controversy and heated debate. According to reports, the New Jersey Governor and his family spent the Fourth of July weekend at a state park — which he closed to the public just hours before his vacation began.

On Friday, Christie signed an executive order to shut down the New Jersey government for the first time in 11 years. As reported by The Hill, the shutdown was prompted by ongoing budget disputes between Democratic and Republican legislative leaders.

According to state law, New Jersey’s budget must be agreed upon on or before the new fiscal year begins on June 30. However, Democratic and Republican lawmakers are at a stalemate.

One of the most prominent disagreements involves a provision — which would compel Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to fund a drug addiction treatment program. The provision, which was proposed by Governor Christie, is expected to ease the state’s opioid addiction crisis. However, critics argue that Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield would be forced to increase premiums for an estimated “3.8 million policyholders” to fund the program.

On Saturday, Christie announced the government shutdown was “necessary to maintain the protection, safety, and well-being of the people of New Jersey.” The governor specifically blamed Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto for unnecessarily stalling budget negotiations and “forcing the closure of New Jersey government and inconveniencing everyone living in and visiting our state.”

In addition to state government offices, Governor Christie ordered beaches and state parks closed until the budget issue is resolved.

Although the closures forced thousands of tourists to cancel their plans for the holiday weekend, Chris Christie’s beach vacation proceeded as planned. As reported by New York Daily News, the governor and his family spent the weekend at New Jersey’s Island Beach State Park — while other families were turned away at the gates.

When questioned about his family’s exclusive access to the state park and beach, Chris Christie said, “That’s just the way it goes.” Although the governor and his family stayed at their residence at the state park, Christie insists they did not use any of the services customarily provided by the park. </s> (CNN) — New Jersey legislators went home Saturday afternoon without passing a budget, leaving the state government shut down, the spokesman for Gov. Chris Christie told CNN.

The Republican governor shut down the state government Friday night after the Legislature failed to pass a budget. The assembly remained nominally in session in an attempt to break the deadlock.

An estimated 30,000 to 35,000 state workers were furloughed in the shutdown. The shutdown forced the closure of tourist attractions such as all 40 state parks, recreational areas, historic sites, state beaches and Liberty State Park just as the July Fourth holiday weekend got underway. Campers who stayed in parks Friday night were asked to leave Saturday morning, Christie said. Public events in parks were canceled.

Consequently, Christie and his family had the beach to themselves Saturday night at the governor’s Island Beach residence.

Christie signed a state of emergency permitting the operation of essential government services such as state police, correctional facilities, welfare services, state hospitals and treatment facilities. Also shielded from the shutdown are New Jersey Transit, the state lottery, casinos and racetracks.

According to nj.com, the conflict in the Legislature is about the finances of not-for-profit Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the state’s largest health insurer.

The state Senate passed a bill that allows the state government to control how much Horizon keeps in its surplus fund before it must contribute to a public health fund. But Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, a Democrat, refused to allow the bill to come to a vote in the House, nj.com said.

The governor told reporters Saturday that the state will do what it must to function, either via federal funding or by running up a tab. He cited state police as an essential service. He said Horizon is making huge profits without any control by state government, which created Horizon in the first place, and it doesn’t want additional oversight or transparency.

On Sunday, Christie blamed Prieto for the standoff and said he would sign whatever budget crosses his desk.

“If they send it to me with Horizon, I will sign it. If they send it to me without Horizon I will use my authority to make a smaller budget,” he said in an afternoon news conference.

“If they send me a budget today the shutdown would be over. The Legislature is deciding not to send me either budget.”

Prieto said discussions about changing Horizon were not part of the budget process and that Christie was trying to “extort” Horizon’s ratepayers.

“I will consider it once a budget is signed. In fact, the Assembly Judiciary Committee stands ready to hold hearings starting this month,” Prieto said.

Christie said no more services are expected to be eliminated. </s> The Latest on New Jersey's government shutdown (all times local):

Gov. Chris Christie says he's using a state helicopter to travel to and from the governor's residence at the state park where his family is staying amid a government shutdown.

Speaking Sunday at a news conference, Christie said he flew Saturday from Trenton to Island Beach State Park and then went back to the capital Sunday. The Republican governor plans to fly back to the park after working Sunday because that's where his family is.

Christie says he's ready to reopen the state government that shutdown after he and lawmakers in the Democratic-led Legislature failed to enact a budget Friday.

Christie said he would sign a Democratic-preferred budget as long as he gets the bill he wants to overhaul the state's largest health insurer.

New Jersey's government shutdown is dragging on without a resolution to the stalemate between Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto.

And the state is beginning to feel the sting of shuttered services.

Christie ordered the Democrat-led Legislature to return Sunday to consider a path around the impasse

At issue is Christie's proposal to overhaul the state's largest health insurer. Democrats are splintered, with Prieto opposed to the plan, but Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney behind it.

Christie ordered the shutdown of nonessential state services, like parks and motor vehicle offices, Friday after he and lawmakers failed to agree on terms to enact a $34.7 billion budget.

The public is shut out of state parks and turned away from motor vehicle agencies. State workers have been furloughed. </s> New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he will convene both houses of the Legislature on Monday morning in an attempt to break a budget deadlock.

The Republican governor shut down the state government Friday night after the Legislature failed to pass a budget. The assembly remained nominally in session after lawmakers went home Saturday.

An estimated 30,000 to 35,000 state workers were furloughed in the shutdown. The shutdown forced the closure of tourist attractions such as all 40 state parks, recreational areas, historic sites, state beaches and Liberty State Park just as the July Fourth holiday weekend got underway. Campers who stayed in parks Friday night were asked to leave Saturday morning, Christie said. Public events in parks were canceled.

Consequently, Christie and his family had the beach to themselves Saturday night at the governor's Island Beach residence.

Christie signed a state of emergency permitting the operation of essential government services such as state police, correctional facilities, welfare services, state hospitals and treatment facilities. Also shielded from the shutdown are New Jersey Transit, the state lottery, casinos and racetracks.

According to nj.com, the conflict in the Legislature is about the finances of not-for-profit Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the state's largest health insurer.

The state Senate passed a bill that allows the state government to control how much Horizon keeps in its surplus fund before it must contribute to a public health fund. But Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, a Democrat, refused to allow the bill to come to a vote in the House, nj.com said.

The governor told reporters Saturday that the state will do what it must to function, either via federal funding or by running up a tab. He cited state police as an essential service. He said Horizon is making huge profits without any control by state government, which created Horizon in the first place, and it doesn't want additional oversight or transparency.

On Sunday, Christie blamed Prieto for the standoff and said he would sign whatever budget crosses his desk.

"If they send it to me with Horizon, I will sign it. If they send it to me without Horizon I will use my authority to make a smaller budget," he said in an afternoon news conference.

"If they send me a budget today the shutdown would be over. The Legislature is deciding not to send me either budget."

Prieto said discussions about changing Horizon were not part of the budget process and that Christie was trying to "extort" Horizon's ratepayers.

"I will consider it once a budget is signed. In fact, the Assembly Judiciary Committee stands ready to hold hearings starting this month," Prieto said.

Christie said no more services are expected to be eliminated. </s> The New Jersey state government shut down on Friday at midnight. Governors in New Jersey and Maine shut down state government after lawmakers remained locked in a standoff and failed to reach budget deals before Friday’s midnight deadline. In Maine, Gov. Paul LePage put a partial shutdown in place until Monday afternoon. In New Jersey, non-essential services will be shut down until lawmakers break the impasse and Chris Christie signs a budget.

However, the governor said he and his family plan to spend the long Independence Day holiday weekend at the governor’s summer house at Island Beach State Park.

Christie doesn’t live there, but the beach house is one of the perks of being the state’s chief executive. Christie also has use of Drumthwacket, the official gubernatorial mansion in Princeton, according to NJ.

A reporter asked Saturday if Chris Christie thought it fair that his family would be free to enjoy a state park that would be closed to the public as a result of the shutdown. The New Jersey governor stressed that the beach house is separate from the park and that his family does not ask for any state services.

For others, the most immediate effect of the shutdown has hit those headed to state-run parks and beaches for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to the New York Times. State Liberty State Park overlooks New York City and is scheduled to host more than 100,000 people for its Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display that was set for Tuesday.

Christie demanded that the $34.7 billion budget, negotiated by the Legislature, include a provision that requires Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield spend some of its reserve funds on public health initiatives, in particular, his drug treatment initiative, according to the New York Times. Without this provision included, Christie said he would veto any budget lawmakers send him.

On Saturday morning, new vehicles some packed with beach chairs, beach balls, fishing rods and anticipation approached the entrance to the beach at Liberty State Park only to be met by two police cars and a barricade.

Eric Cowling, 28, traveled with his girlfriend to New Jersey from Philadelphia to fish, lounge, and possibly camp in their truck on the beach said, “It’s ridiculous.”

Chris Christie has since declared a state of emergency and called for a special session of the Legislature. Christie commented about the government shutdown in a statement, “This was completely avoidable.” The 2017 N.J. government shutdown is the first here since 2006.

However, on Twitter, Chris Christie said he was ready to sign a budget before the deadline.

According to the website, NJ.com, New Jersey state law requires a budget to be in place every June 30. If not, the governor will shut down the state.

Chris Christie ordered a special session of the Legislature in Trenton this Saturday, but Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto has vowed to block the governor from entering the chambers. Christie engaged on Twitter. Prieto retorted with a Watergate reference.

What Will Be Closed During The New Jersey Government Shutdown?

State Parks And Beaches

 All state-run parks, recreational areas, historic sites, forests, camping areas, and beaches are closed. This would also include the two state beaches; Cheesequake and Island Beach, in addition to Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Statue Cruises, which runs ferry trips to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park, said it would honor tickets at its Manhattan location or exchange them for later dates.

More than 25,000 expected visitors would be impacted by a four-day shutdown. It would also cost at least $850,000 in lost revenue to the company and related entities, a Statue Cruises executive said in a statement.

State Offices

 Thousands of state workers are expected to be furloughed, except staff that is deemed essential, like State Police troopers and state correctional and hospital employees. Many wondered if they will be paid for the time they missed? During the 2006 New Jersey government shutdown, about 45,000 state workers were furloughed. They later received back pay. However, during a news conference on Friday, Christie said “don’t count on it” this time.

Motor Vehicle Commission Stations

 All Motor Vehicle Commission agencies and inspection stations will be closed starting Saturday. That means you won’t be able to get a driver’s license or renew your registration.

One resident of New Jersey said the registration on his car has expired and he drove to the DMV in Rahway, NJ to find out the New Jersey government had been shut down.

State Courts

 Most state courts will be closed on Monday during the business week, except for emergency cases. Municipal courts remain open. State courts will remain closed throughout the week unless a deal is struck over the weekend.

Pension and Taxation Offices

 Taxation call centers and walk-in departments will also close beginning on Monday. State Division of Pensions and Benefits for public workers. The department will continue payment of health provider claims and life claims, as well as processing changes to family status for health benefits.

Birth And Married Certificates

 Offices like the state Department of Health, where you obtain copies of birth and marriage certificates, will be closed starting on Monday.

Travel Centers

 Travel and tourism welcome centers are closed.

What Stays Open During The 2017 New Jersey Government Shutdown?

State Police and National Guard

 The New Jersey State Police will continue to patrol. The National Guard will also remain on call. Veteran’s Haven North and South — transitional housing for military vets — will stay open, as well.

New Jersey Transit

 Public transportation in New Jersey will operate as usual.

Prisons

 State prisons and halfway houses will not close, however, some inmate services may be interrupted.

New Jersey Public Schools

 Public schools and colleges will also remain open, including Katzenbach School for the Deaf. It is important to note that the state Department of Education’s help desks, customer service, and other services will be unavailable.

In addition to this, the budget shutdown does not affect services at the NJ Lottery or in New Jersey casinos, and racetracks.

More recently, Chris Christie posted photos of himself and his team waiting for Vincent Prieto with the hashtag #PrietoShutDown.

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, who is a Democrat, has refused to put the legislation demanded by Chris Christie up for a vote. He called it an unfair intervention in the not-for-profit company that shouldn’t be part of the budget process.

The New Jersey closings arrived during the July 4 holiday weekend. If the stalemate lasts through Tuesday, it will also include Independence Day. </s> Story highlights Chris Christie has beach to himself after shutdown closes state parks

Christie says he will pass whatever budget comes his way

(CNN) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his family had the beach to themselves Saturday after a budget deadlock closed state-run tourist attractions to the public.

The Republican governor shut down the state government Friday night after the Legislature failed to pass a budget. Christie said he will convene both houses of the Legislature on Monday morning in an attempt to break the impasse.

The shutdown forced the closure of tourist attractions and furloughed an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 state workers. All 40 state parks, recreational areas, historic sites, state beaches and Liberty State Park were closed just as the July Fourth holiday weekend got underway. Campers who stayed in parks Friday night were asked to leave Saturday morning, Christie said.

Meanwhile, Christie and his family had full run of Island Beach State Park, a barrier island where the state-owned governor's residence is located.

"That's just the way it goes," Christie said Saturday in response to a reporter's questions during a news conference. "Run for governor and you can have a residence."

Read More </s> JERSEY CITY -- A steady stream of joggers, cyclists and cars were turned away from Liberty State park this morning because of a government shutdown from the state budget stalemate last night. Gov. Chris Christie at midnight on Friday ordered a government shutdown after the state Legislature failed to pass a budget by the midnight deadline last night.

Start the conversation, or Read more at The Jersey Journal. </s> A partial shutdown of New Jersey government services snarled traffic near the state's Atlantic shore resorts on Saturday, the first day of the July 4 holiday weekend, as troopers turned back beachgoers from a shuttered beach and other state parks.

The shutdown went into effect just after midnight on Saturday after legislators failed to pass a budget, stymied by a dispute over a plan to take money from the state’s biggest health insurance company.

Lawmakers were in the state capital, Trenton, on Saturday to work on resolving the standoff over the measure, pushed by Governor Chris Christie as way to help fund drug addiction services.

Despite the shutdown, state police, prisons, child welfare services, NJ Transit buses and trains, and other health and safety operations were still functioning, but other services such as motor vehicle inspections ground to a halt.

Christie, a Republican who has the lowest approval rating of any governor in New Jersey history, said he returned to his office at 9:30 a.m. ready to work. His family was at the governor’s residence at the state beach that had been closed to the public as a result of the shutdown.

At issue is a push by the governor to force the nonprofit insurer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to spend some of its billions in reserves on public health services or return money to subscribers.

Christie said he would remove about $150 million in school funding and other items previously agreed with Democrats unless the Assembly passed the Horizon bill.

But Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto and other Democrats say the Horizon bill, introduced only on Thursday, is “bad public policy.” Prieto blamed the governor for “holding the state budget hostage.”

Some Democrats in the Senate and Assembly have sided with Christie. An Assembly vote on the budget stalled late on Friday, as some Democrats abstained from voting, fearing Christie’s veto of important items without an agreement on the Horizon bill.

The governor, at a news conference on Saturday morning, repeatedly blamed Prieto for the impasse.

“If the Horizon bill comes in, I will sign the budget,” he said, adding that he was open to counteroffers. Christie said the plan to restructure Horizon was only recently presented because it had not occurred to him earlier. It has been vetted by legal advisors, he said, adding, “It’s about transparency and accountability ... and the potential for a fiscal play down the line.”

All 80 of the Assembly's seats are up for re-election in November, when New Jersey will also vote on a new governor to replace Christie, whose second and final term as governor is ending.

The new governor will inherit a gaping public pension shortfall, which has contributed to 11 credit downgrades during Christie's tenure. New Jersey's credit rating is now the second lowest in the United States, above only Illinois. (Editing by Frank McGurty and Jonathan Oatis)
Amid a budget crisis, Governor Chris Christie shuts down the state government of New Jersey.