New Jersey state shutdown: Here's what you need to know
State parks and beaches are off-limits to visitors until Christie and state lawmakers reach an agreement on a budget
Bob Jordan- New Jersey government is shut down for the first time since 2006
- The shutdown won't cancel the July 4 fireworks show planned for Jersey City.
- No copies of birth and marriage certificates, or copies of adoptees’ original birth certificates.
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie's order at midnight Friday shutting down the state government couldn't come at a worse time for those with holiday week plans to visit Island Beach State Park.
The 10-mile long barrier island and vacation hot spot – plus dozens of other state parks and recreation areas – are off-limits to visitors until Christie and state lawmakers reach an agreement on a budget for the new fiscal year, which began Saturday.
So now New Jersey government is shut down for the first time since 2006 – an impasse that lasted eight days. Here's what you need to know about this stoppage:
How we got here
In budget negotiations, Christie, a Republican, has taken a hard line, saying that he has already compromised with Democrats by agreeing to support their $34.7 billion spending proposal.
But in exchange, Christie wants a bill that could allow the state to take money from reserve accounts held by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's largest health insurer. Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, D-Secaucus, has refused to sign on while Democrats in the Senate and Assembly have sided with Christie.
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What is impacted
Here's a list of what is shut down:
- Many state offices, including the Motor Vehicle Commission.
State parks and marinas, including:
- Allaire State Park, Wall
- Hopatcong State Park
- High Point State Park, Sussex
- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
- Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton
- Washington Crossing State Historic Park, Titusville
- Double Trouble State Park, Berkeley and Lacey
- Island Beach State Park
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
- Warren Grove Recreation Area, Ocean and Burlington counties
- Forked River State Marina
- Island Beach State Marina, Seaside Park
- Leonardo State Marina
MORE: New Jersey's State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites
The shutdown won't cancel the July 4 fireworks show and Kool and the Gang concert that had been planned for Liberty State Park. Instead, the festivities will be moved to Exchange Place, according to a Facebook message from Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.
The following will also be closed: permitting offices for Air, Historic Preservation, Land Use, Site Remediation, Solid Waste and Water Supply; Green Acres and Blue Acres offices; Office of Dispute Resolution; Office of Permit Coordination; most of the Division of Fish & Wildlife (Wildlife Management Areas and on-line services will not be impacted); NJ Geologic Survey; and Rebuild by Design projects.
The public will not be able to obtain copies of birth and marriage certificates, or copies of adoptees’ original birth certificates. No new certifications or renewals will be issued for EMTs, paramedics or Certified Nursing Assistants.
The travel and tourism welcome centers will be closed.
What's not impacted
Essential services will continue – State Police, state correctional facilities, key child welfare services, state hospitals and treatment facilities, NJ Transit, and operations linked to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including certain environmental and health monitoring. State roads and highways won't be impacted and service areas on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike will be open.
Construction projects will continue, as will emergency repairs and some roadside safety services. The rest areas on I-295 in Deepwater, Salem County and on I-80 in Knowlton, Warren County, will be closed.
Unemployment insurance and disability determination services will remain operational. Temporary Disability Insurance claims, Wage and Hour claims, and Family Leave Insurance claims may be filed, but they will not be processed. One Stop Career Centers (state not county services) will be closed; Workers Compensation Courts will be closed. Division of Vocational and Rehabilitation Services will be closed.
Child abuse hotlines, protection services and response teams will continue to operate. Schools for children with special needs will remain open.
Veteran’s Haven North and South will remain in operation and National Guard will remain on call.
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Department of Community Affairs' inspections related to construction codes, fire safety, fairs and fireworks displays will continue, however some public services will not be available.
Atlantic City's casinos, horse racing at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands Racetrack, and the New Jersey Lottery will be operating uninterrupted.
State pension checks and other money matters
July 1 pension checks have been processed and mailed. Taxation call centers and walk-in facilities will be closed. The Division of Risk Management will be closed, however the scheduling of medical appointments, treatments and services for injured workers will remain ongoing. The Division of Pensions and Benefits will be closed, although it will continue payment of health provider claims and life claims, and continue to process changes to family status for health benefits.
Bob Jordan bjordan@gannettnj.com