Chris Christie Tells Cabinet to Prepare for State Shutdown

Gov. Chris Christie is asking his cabinet members to prepare contingency plans in case he needs to shut down New Jersey's government if he can't reach an agreement on a new budget.

The memo asks cabinet members to detail crucial services and warns some departments would have few or no employees during a shutdown.

Christie and lawmakers must agree to a new budget by July 1. The main disagreement is over how and how much to cut taxes. Christie wants a 10 percent income tax cut. Senate leaders want a 10 percent property tax credit targeted at low- and middle-income earners. Assembly leaders want a similar 20 percent property tax credit, and a 25 percent credit for seniors and disabled residents.

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