Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said that a budget impasse that may result in a State shutdown at midnight tonight is the result of severe dysfunction by the majority Democrats who control both houses of the New Jersey Legislature:

Sen. Joe Pennacchio said that the budget impasse is a result of severe dysfunction by the majority Democrats. (SenateNJ.com)

“Democrats have controlled the New Jersey Legislature for the past 15 years, and this budget stalemate merely continues a long trend of fiscal mismanagement while they have been in control.

“Just like the last time a disagreement among Democrats resulted in a government shutdown, the current threat of a shutdown is driven by the majority party’s inability to effectively work together to govern.

“And let’s not forget what they are fighting over, perpetuating a failed school funding formula and more than $300 million in pork barrel spending, including such gems as $85,000 for a ‘Garden to Nurture Human Understanding’ program in Teaneck.

“It’s amateur hour in the Democrats’ caucus rooms, and it’s sad that may result in state workers not getting paid and families not being able to visit shuttered state parks and beaches this holiday weekend.”