New Jersey government shuts down in budget standoff; Then Gov. Christie has beach to himself and family
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.”“That’s where my family is sleeping, so that’s where I’ll sleep tonight,” Christie said. “When I have a choice between sleeping with my family and sleeping alone, I generally like to sleep where my family is.”
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.
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