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A government shutdown is still imminent in New Jersey after several days of budget negotiations between
Governor Phil Murphy
The state government could close at midnight on Sunday if Mr. Murphy, a Democrat, and the leaders of the state legislature are unable to reach an agreement. On Thursday, Murphy rejected a fundraising proposal launched by the state Senate Speaker
Steve Sweeney,
who had suggested taxing the rental of short-term property, such as "a forehand to the middle-class gut" that would target families on vacation on the Jersey Shore.
Still, Mr. Murphy said that he was optimistic that both parties could reach an agreement.
"I do not want the state to shut down," Murphy said. "But everything must be on the table."
Murphy and Mr. Sweeney both want to increase state spending in the next fiscal year budget for public schools, public employee pensions and NJ Transit, but disagree on how to increase the income to pay them. Mr. Murphy wants to increase the sales tax to 7% by 6.625% and increase taxes on the income of millionaires.
Sweeney, a Democrat, does not support the increase of these taxes. On Wednesday, he said that raising the sales tax would impose a disproportionate burden on the poor, while a millionaire's tax could make the state leave the well-to-do residents
"Honestly, all of these taxes really bother me. " 19659003] In lieu of Mr. Murphy's tax proposals, Mr. Sweeney wants to raise the corporate tax rate of the state. On Wednesday, he also suggested the tax on short-term rentals and the increase of the state transfer tax to 2% of 1% on homes over $ 1 million.
The New Jersey government closed last year. It resisted the demands of former Republican governor Chris Christie to legislate further on New Jersey's largest insurer.
The closure of parks and state beaches has forced Jersey City to relocate its festival and fireworks from Liberty State Park to Exchange Place. . Mr. Christie was criticized after being photographed with friends and family on a public beach closed to the public
This year, lawmakers proposed legislation to keep public parks and forests open for seven days if the government closes . Assemblyman
John McKeon,
a Democrat, said that he does not want to close the state 's recreation areas during one of the busiest times of the year.
"A good deal of those who choose our parks and beaches do not have many alternatives," said Mr. McKeon. "It is clear to me that it is inexcusable and untenable that the people who use this equipment are affected."
The bill was to be voted Friday in the National Assembly, but the vote was canceled Thursday night.
Write to Kate King at [email protected]
Appeared in the print edition of June 29, 2018 under the title 'Lawmakers are trying to keep the New Jersey beaches open ".
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