What's Closed in New Jersey Due to Budget Impass

As most of you are well aware, the New Jersey State Legislature has failed to pass a new State budget, thus numerous State agencies have closed. Other businesses where State officials are required to be in attendence by law have also closed - the most significant of which are all 12 Atlantic City Casinos. Keep reading for a list of what is closed in New Jersey until further notice.

Casinos

All of Atlantic City's 12 casinos have closed their casinos as of 8 a.m. today.

Non-gaming related facilities including hotels, restaurants and shops remain open.

State Parks

The following State Parks in South Jersey are closed:

• Atsion Recreation Area (Burlington County)
• Bass River State Forest (Burlington and Ocean counties)
• Belleplain State Forest (Cape May)
• Cape May Point State Park. (Cape May)
• Corson's Inlet State Park (Cape May)
• Penn State Forest (Burlington County)
• Rancocas State Park (Burlington County)
• Wharton State Forest (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties).

Lottery

The New Jersey Lottery has ceased normal operations. The Lottery directed all agents to cease all ticket sales, effective 7:55 pm, Saturday, July 1, 2006. All lottery terminals were shut down after the July 1 drawing at 7:55 p.m. There will be no ticket sales (including instant tickets), winning ticket validation, claim payments or any activity on the "Green Machine" terminals after 7:55 p.m. Saturday, July 1.

Due to advanced ticket sales, the Lottery has directed essential staff to conduct the regularly scheduled drawings for these tickets at Lottery headquarters under the observation of Mercadien PC, Certified Public Accountants. Drawing results will be available on the Lottery's website, www.njlottery.net. Payment of claims, however, is not authorized until a new budget is in place.

Motor Vehicle Services

All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission facilities, offices and stations are closed until further notice.

The MVC says:

• All licenses, registrations and inspections expiring on June 30 have been extended to July 31.
• All licenses, registrations and inspections expiring on July 31 have been extended to Aug. 31.

For more information, visit www.nj.gov/mvc.

Military And Veterans Affairs

All nonessential services and operations by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are not available during the shutdown. The department's emergency hotline number is (866) 232-5798.

State Workers

State workers must check online for information on whether they need to report to work during the government shutdown. Workers can check online at www.state.nj.us/main_list.html.

Pinelands Commission

Pinelands Commission offices are closed.

State Courts

The Chief Justice of the NJ Supreme Court has ordered the closing of all state courts except for emergencies and other essential functions and supporting operations is in effect. Municipal courts remain open.