TRENTON, NJ — New Jerseyans vividly remember the day former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and his family went to Island Beach State Park even though the park was closed to the public due to a government shut down.
In what became an iconic moment for the former governor, New Jerseyans called Christie a hypocrite and a photo of him in a beach went viral and has not slowed down since.
New legislation has been proposed to guarantee the continuous operation of New Jersey’s state parks, forests, and state-owned beaches, as well as the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agencies, during state emergencies caused by budget impasses. This move is in response to potential disruptions in state services due to delays in enacting a general appropriation law, as outlined by the New Jersey Constitution.
The bill stipulates that in the event of a state emergency declared due to a budgetary deadlock, access to state parks, forests, and beaches will remain open to the public, free of charge for parking. This legislation also categorizes all state employees deemed necessary for maintaining these services as essential personnel, ensuring their continued presence and operation despite any budgetary stalemates.
Furthermore, the proposed law extends its provisions to the New Jersey MVC, ensuring that its agencies, regional service centers, inspection facilities, and supporting state agency offices remain operational and accessible to the public. Employees or contracted workers vital to these operations would also be considered essential personnel under the bill. This legislative effort aims to minimize the impact of government budget disputes on public access to critical state services and recreational spaces.