TRENTON — The state government shutdown continues for a third day on Monday with more efforts underway to bring it to an end.

A "closed" sign sits at the entrance of Cheesequake State Park
A "closed" sign sits at the entrance of Cheesequake State Park (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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The standoff between Gov. Chris Christie and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto continued all weekend, as Prieto continued his refusal to introduce a bill that would direct reserve funds from insurance company Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield into a fund for opioid addiction treatment. Christie insists on a vote before he will sign a budget.

The state Senate has approved a budget, but two efforts to pass the budget have sputtered in the Assembly. A vote remains open on the Assembly floor for the $34.7 billion budget that remains deadlocked with 27 yes votes, well shy of the 41 needed to succeed. Democrats who are abstaining say they worry about Christie line item vetoing education funding from the budget.

WHAT'S STILL CLOSED:

  • All state beaches and parks remain closed including Island Beach State Park, Cheesequake State Park, Island Beach State Park and marina, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Cape May Point State Park, Allaire State Park, Round Valley Recreation Area.
  • All branches, testing centers and inspection facilities of the Motor Vehicle Commission remain closed. Many services can be done online.
  • Most state court cases are postponed with some exceptions.  Jurors do not need to report for duty. Court papers due during the shutdown will be due the first date they reopen. Municipal courts are unaffected by the shutdown.
  • 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.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR MONDAY:

  • Christie has called both the Assembly into a special session for Monday at 10 a.m.
  • Horizon CEO Bob Marino, Prieto and state Senator Joe Vitale will meet with Senate President Steve Sweeney to discuss the bill proposed by Vitale and supported by Sweeney.

How has the shutdown impacted you, your family and co-workers? Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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