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New Jersey looks to prevent future shutdowns13 March 2008NEW JERSEY -- As reported by the New Jersey Biz: "The Corzine administration is exploring ways to prevent casinos and race tracks from being forced to close in the unusual case that the state government shuts down like it did for three days in July 2006 over a budget impasse, said Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). "A solution—perhaps a proposed amendment to the state constitution—is expected to be forwarded to the Legislature for approval in May, Burzichelli, who is the chairman of the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee, said Monday. "The three-day shutdown in 2006, which came after the busy July 4th weekend, cost the casinos about $48 million and put thousands of casino workers out of work, casino executives have said. When Corzine and the Legislature were unable to agree on a state budget by the end of the July 4th weekend, state-employed casino inspectors were among the 45,000 state workers furloughed—and casinos were forced to close. "Though state shutdowns are highly unusual, casinos operators have been calling for assurance from the state that they would not have to again close because of a government shutdown. "...Efforts to pass legislation that simply declares casino inspectors 'essential state employees' have stalled because legal experts said the legislation violates the constitution..." |