The state plans to borrow $4.5 billion to balance its budget and boost its surplus to $2.5 billion. Spending is higher than Gov. Phil Murphy had pitched.
Senators question state labor commissioner on the pandemic response by the unemployment system but are sympathetic to the surge swamping an old system.
All but two Democrats voted for the plan. No Republicans were for it and say they'll file suit ASAP to have it overturned for violating state constitution.
The $7.7 billion in spending will keep the state operating through September. Big decisions about cuts, taxes and borrowing are due over the next three months.
Borrowing billions for operating expenses could ruin state finances for decades and cuts can't cover the whole deficit, says former OMB chief Richard Keevey.
New Jersey stopping allowing red-light cameras in 2014. A bill would block the MVC from sharing driver information to process tickets from other states.
Legislators from across the political spectrum say it's time - or past time - for the state to commit to dates for reopening businesses ordered to close.