back to work in a.c.?

From the AP:

N.J. Casinos Await Word to Reopen

By JOHN CURRAN

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - Slot machines could be ringing and dealers could be shuffling again in New Jersey's casinos as soon as Friday evening after lawmakers and Gov. John S. Corzine reached a state budget deal that could end a six-day government shutdown.

Committees in the Senate and Assembly were set to consider the legislation Friday, clearing the way for a budget vote. Corzine would have to sign an executive order to formally end the shutdown, which also closed state agencies, parks, lottery sales and threw more than 80,000 people out of work.

The compromise, announced Thursday by Corzine, increases New Jersey's sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. Half the $1.1 billion that it will raise will ease property taxes, which are among the nation's highest. Corzine had wanted all the money to go toward helping close a $4.5 billion budget deficit. Read more.

I'm still surprised it got to this point in the first place. Either the NJ gubment is too bullheaded or too stupid for its own good if it'll shut down a cash cow like the gaming industry. Talk about tripping over dollars to pick up pennies. Sadly, employees lost wages on the unintended vacation. Good thing the "lock-out" ended rather quickly.

Now don't ever let it happen again.