NJ, Stronger than the Storm, Weaker Without a Budget

TRENTON – The impact of the state shutdown was being felt by many July 2 and 3. 
Caused by a rift between Gov. Chris Christie and the Democratic-controlled Legislature, and thus no budget in place, closed signs went up at places like Belleplain State Forest and the Cape May Point State Park dampening what many vacationers had hoped would be the highlight of their July 4 holiday weekend.
Impacts were felt by visitors to the World War II Lookout Tower on Sunset Boulevard near Cape May Point and the Cape May Lighthouse, operated by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, Inc. (MAC).
Those were closed “indefinitely until a stalemate is broken between the legislature and Gov. Christie over the Fiscal Year 2018 New Jersey budget,” according to a release from MAC.
State officials notified MAC Director Michael Zuckerman that since the state does not have an adopted and signed budget for the fiscal year 2018 all state non-essential operations were to be closed effective midnight, July 1, 2017. The closure includes all state parks, forests, and recreation areas.
Christie ordered the Legislature to a Sunday session, but that did not result in a budget.
All New Jersey courthouses were closed until further notice.
Those summoned to jury duty were directed not to report. They were instructed to check the jury reporting message after 5 p.m. each day for updated information.
Affected courts include Supreme, Appellate, Tax, and Superior, which handle criminal and civil cases.
Municipal courts, however, are unaffected and will maintain their normal hours of operation.
Those who need to pay child support can submit payments through the Child Support Processing Center, but payment windows at courthouses are closed.
Child support payments will be processed as usual, and the child support call center will be open as usual (1-877-NJKIDS1).
Traffic tickets may be paid online at NJMCDirect.com.
Motor Vehicle Centers, including offices and inspection facilities, are closed.
Prisons and state hospitals, and those who work in them are not affected by the shutdown.