Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) called for the New Jersey Legislature to approve a measure that would allow State parks and beaches to remain open temporarily in the event of a State government shutdown.

He said the timing of the June 30th deadline in the New Jersey Constitution for approving a new State budget creates an annual risk of a government shutdown, unnecessarily threatening the summer vacation and 4th of July plans of New Jerseyans each year.

“We had a State shutdown last year, and we’re at risk of another one this year as Democrats continue to fight over five different tax increases with our budget deadline just one day away,” said Oroho, a member of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee. “Families that have made the choice to spend their vacation or holiday weekend camping in a State park or visiting one of our State beaches shouldn’t have their plans ruined by the failure of Trenton politicians to pass a State budget.”

Oroho is a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation, S-835, which would require State parks and forests, State recreation areas, State historic sites, State natural areas, and State wildlife management areas to remain open for seven days in the event of a government shutdown.

The legislation directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan for the continued operation of those locations by State employees designated as necessary to continue providing services.

“The Legislature should advance our bill to prevent the holiday plans of New Jersey families from being held hostage in these recurring budget battles,” added Oroho. “Our families should spend the 4th of July celebrating our great nation, not lamenting Trenton for ruining their vaction.”