Despite Governor Phil Murphy’s vow to veto it, the New Jersey legislature has passed a state budget that includes a two-year corporate tax surcharge instead of the millionaires’ tax and sales tax increase Murphy wanted to provide a sustainable source of revenue.
Senate President Steve Sweeney it’s frustrating the budget process is at this point.
“I have never seen an administration with a lack of focus and a lack of honesty the way they’ve handled this.”
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin says the Democrat Governor and Democrat legislative leaders need to come together to resolve the budget dispute.
“We all have important priorities. They’re all to be respected. But the only way to achieve an end to this is to set aside our own egos and to make things happen.”
Murphy says he won’t stop trying to reach a compromise with legislative leaders.
“It’s not over yet. I’m not going to stop working. I’m not going to stop trying. This is more complicated than it should be.”
State government faces a shutdown if a new budget is not enacted by the constitutionally required June 30th deadline.