New Jersey State Government Forced to Shut Down; List of Services Affected

[no_hypocrisy]

2. The Back Story

Both Assembly and Senate were and are ready to pass the Budget.

However the Governor has INSISTED that the Legislature ALSO AND SIMULTANEOUSLY pass a measure attached to the Budget. This measure would raid a surplus garnered by NJ Horizon Blue Shield and Blue Cross, thereby allowing the Governor to apply that entity's money, paid by subscribers, to the NJ deficit, caused by the Governor not demanding higher income residents pay higher taxes. Plus, Blue Cross is not a NJ governmental entity or agency. That money could be re-invested and used to cap or lower premium costs of subscribers, which might be a very real thing if ACA is repealed and "replaced".

Christie knows that the measure by itself would not pass. That's why (like Paul Ryan with his "Reconciliation&quot he attached it to the Budget and would not allow a separate vote.

Not only that, the Governor would "allow" an extra $350 million for schools, legal aid for the poor, and other programs to be included in the Budget if the Legislature agreed to vote to raid Blue Cross. Unfortunately, that split democrats (who are in the majority in both houses).

If the beaches, lakes, landmarks, agencies are closed this week-end and then some, it's on the Governor, not the Legislature.