New Jersey Gov't Shutdown

The International Herald Tribune and New York Times are reporting that the "Budget impasse shuts down New Jersey."

Jim Kouri in his commentary New Jersey Gov't Shutdown by Liberal Governor Seeking Tax Hikes notes "New Jersey's pride and joy of a governor, Democrat Jon Corzine," has decided to shut down all but the most critical state agencies after he was not able to get the legislature to approve a sales tax hike. The budget deadline expired on June 30. Only approximately 30,000 state employees will continue working - but without pay.

He adds, "one of the richest politicians in the US is sending people to the unemployment line because he wasn't being allowed to raise taxes on a state that's running neck and neck with Louisiana when it comes to systemic corruption."

It is the first time that New Jersey's government has shut down, or even partly shutdown because a budget was not approved at fiscal year end. Unable to broker his first budget as governor, the Democrat governor, using emergency powers given to him (under the Disaster Control Act) will keep all nonessential state workers home.

"Had a Republican used a disaster act to shutdown government for tax purposes, the New York Times and other news media would be squawking about an expansion of power, since the Disaster Control Act is meant for -- well -- disasters. It wasn't meant for a liberal governor to throw a snit because he's being prevented from raising taxes."

His entire article can be seen here.