Gov. Jon S. Corzine's decision to shut down state services created confusion for lottery players and those who sell New Jersey lottery tickets.
Sharon Rush, who owns Macaro's Deli in Pennsauken, said she learned about it online.
"They haven't told us anything," Rush said. "Our customers don't even know about it yet."
Rush said shutting down the lottery and casinos because of fiscal woes simply doesn't make sense.
"Something that makes money for the government shouldn't shut down," she added.
Raynard Washington of Camden plays the Pick 6 twice a week.
"I just started playing a couple of weeks ago," Washington said. "That's a way for the state to get revenue. I don't know why they would stop."
David Ruiz of Camden said the government should have had a contingency plan in place.
Winning tickets will not be honored until the budget impasse is resolved.
Hopefully this is resolved soon. I'm sure those who win something would be upset not to be able to collect their winnings.
The "fool" that this governor is making of himself. Some buisnessman he is.!
He bites the hands that feed him.Smart mule, real smart...!
Well when it comes time to vote send that governor the pink slip and get a new one. He seems like he is not looking out for the best of the state of new jersey. I would send some of the those legislators a pink slip too.-weshar75
This guy ran on a campaign of lowering taxes, then snubbed everyone by demanding higher taxes to pay off the special interests that got him elected. It's typical NJ corrupt politics. I say we should thumb our noses to New Jersey as a whole. If they raise sales tax, then start shopping elsewhere. If you need a casino fix, go to Connecticut, New York, Delaware, West Virginia, or Ontario. Need Mega Millions? Buy them in New York or Maryland (Powerball in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware is a better deal right now).
I have been playing in other states. It's hard to because of either travel costs or if I played online they charge a 100% vig. Oh.. I get it.. this is OUR fault.. and/or Christie Whitman's fault.. or even George Bush's fault. I didn't advise any of them how to manage the budget and there is no convenient place to look it up to understand it better why there is such a problem with it. The deficit was there last year and even McGreedy didn't do this nonsense. Somebody please tell me how putting a burden on all these people who depend on these services, is going to make everyone richer tomorrow. I simply don't see it. I have a few play-aheads in nj but if/when they reopen I might boycott it a whle longer.
You must realize that the governor is not a fool. He is just doing what the constitution of New Jersey tells him to do. When you can't agree on a budget but the deadline you can't run the government. They will battle it out in the next few days and it will get accomplished but it isn't the governors fault. I mean he doesn't want to go through budget cuts and cut essential services like health care and education. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this situation.
Brad
Brad, thax for being smart in a sea of stupid
Folks need to realize, i think over 90% of States' constitution demand a balanced budget for the fiscal year
. It's not the dude's fault.
BTW: I'm not calling LP members stuipd. I'm calling those that are blaming Corzine (sp)
Brad & Winner2b,
You two are not in NJ, so I'm not sure you know everything about this that we NJ people do.
This Governor is the worst of the worst. He outright lied about everything. He said he would lower taxes, and now is basically holding the state hostage, and refuses to budge until the state sales tax is raised to 7%.
He alone has the power to circumvent this "budget crisis" (a term made up by the spinners). There is absolutely no reason to shut down the government. It is a strong-arm negatiating tactic that is hurting everyone, instead of solving the problem.
If the representatives give into him and raise the tax, he wins but we all lose.
You two would feel a lot differently about this if it was happening to you.
You two do not live in the most corrupt state in the nation.
I do.
New Jersey is a police state. They are trying to legislate a lifestyle. I remember being a hostage to the NJ campaigns (as well as the PA ones despite living in DE, an unfortunate result of the proximity to Philadelphia). Corzine just seemed like he'd be a crook more than his opponent. He just acted like he was playing the game. Unfortunately, most voters in New Jersey aren't intelligent enough to realize what they are doing to themselves. Same is true for fickle senior citizens in Pennsylvania. I cite the election of Gov. Rendell, the re-election of Philly mayor Street, and the 3 time election of Scranton mayor Connors (who won the election by literally singing and dancing for senior citizens at church festivals).
This could be the M.O. for the governor: everyone to say PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY, PLEASE RAISE OUR SALES TAX TO 7%, OR 10%, OR WHATEVER YOU WANT, YOUR EXCELLENCY! ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN SHUTTING EVERYTHING DOWN!!! Then later on to say "you WANTED me to raise the sales tax, so I did, so you should re-elect me." I think the tactic is also know as "extortion."
Perhaps some of the $1 billion he needs is to install those cameras that photograph your license plate and send you an automatic ticket if you're 1mph or more over the limit.
I'm almost starting to miss McGreedy!
Look on the bright side, look at the money you saving
.... well, i'm going to play my Mega Millions tickets over in New York. I'm sure, I cannot be the only one here in New Jersey that's playing else where. LOL New York will probably see a rise in lottery sales and will welcome the revenue. The lost revenue New Jersey would have had.
The worst thing about the New Jersey situation is that it helps NY Lotto and PA Unlucky for Life. At least both games are struggling.
Didn't this governor just take office in January? I mean I am sure the governor knew this was a holiday weekend and saw that everything was going to be closed anyway. This will be fixed by Wednesday at the lastest.
This situation happened in an episode of "The West Wing". The executive branch has the power to do things like this.
There is something that bugs me about this situation though....because it is a democrat governor fighting with a democrat assembly. Now if it was a republican assembly then it wouldn't be such a weird situtation.
The governor of NJ is a tough guy. We need more of them in politics. Enough of this bargaining until there is no bargaining left to bargain. He is just trying to get something done.
Brad
How is closing the lottery and casinos going to help with a budget shortfall? Wouldn't it make more sense to keep current revenue coming in until you can figure out a way to increase revenue or decrease spending?
It was done to bypass the Checks and Balances of Government.
The system of checks and balances is an important part of the Constitution. With checks and balances, each of the three branches of government can limit the powers of the others. This way, no one branch becomes too powerful. Each branch "checks" the power of the other branches to make sure that the power is balanced between them. How does this system of checks and balances work?
The process of how laws are made is a good example of checks and balances in action. First, the legislative branch introduces and votes on a bill. The bill then goes to the executive branch, where the Governor decides whether he thinks the bill is good for the state. If so, he signs the bill, and it becomes a law.
If the Governor does not believe the bill is good for the state, he does not sign it. This is called a veto. But the legislative branch gets another chance. With enough votes, the legislative branch can override the executive branch's veto, and the bill becomes a law.
Once a law is in place, the people of the state can test it through the court system, which is under the control of the judicial branch. If someone believes a law is unfair, a lawsuit can be filed. Lawyers then make arguments for and against the case, and a judge decides which side has presented the most convincing arguments. The side that loses can choose to appeal to a higher court, and may eventually reach the highest court of all, the Supreme Court.
If the legislative branch does not agree with the way in which the judicial branch has interpreted the law, they can introduce a new piece of legislation, and the process starts all over again.
This is the craziest story I have read in some time!
Didn't this governor just take office in January? I mean I am sure the governor knew this was a holiday weekend and saw that everything was going to be closed anyway. This will be fixed by Wednesday at the lastest.
This situation happened in an episode of "The West Wing". The executive branch has the power to do things like this.
There is something that bugs me about this situation though....because it is a democrat governor fighting with a democrat assembly. Now if it was a republican assembly then it wouldn't be such a weird situtation.
The governor of NJ is a tough guy. We need more of them in politics. Enough of this bargaining until there is no bargaining left to bargain. He is just trying to get something done.
Brad
You obviously just support anyone who is a liberal, because no other explanation of your post makes any sense.
Well maybe I just worded it bad then. Because I don't support just any liberal. I support the governor doing what the constitution tells him to do. I mean really....he knew this was going to be a holiday weekend with everything closed anyway. Everything is staying open until Wednesday which I bet will be the day they reach an agreement. I am not saying I agree with either side.....to raise taxes or not....but I agree with the governor following the constitutions guidelines. If it was a Republican governor I would feel the same way. I mean who really was going to get their license renewed or plates for their car because pretty much that is the only difference that should be seen until Wednesday. Everything else is either closed or doesn't effect the normal day to day life of the people. (except for the lottery, which makes hard core gamblers get their fix somewhere else)
Brad
The worst thing about the New Jersey situation is that it helps NY Lotto and PA Unlucky for Life. At least both games are struggling.
No comment...
casinos closed thats millions come on down to Biloxi were open
Well maybe I just worded it bad then. Because I don't support just any liberal. I support the governor doing what the constitution tells him to do. I mean really....he knew this was going to be a holiday weekend with everything closed anyway. Everything is staying open until Wednesday which I bet will be the day they reach an agreement. I am not saying I agree with either side.....to raise taxes or not....but I agree with the governor following the constitutions guidelines. If it was a Republican governor I would feel the same way. I mean who really was going to get their license renewed or plates for their car because pretty much that is the only difference that should be seen until Wednesday. Everything else is either closed or doesn't effect the normal day to day life of the people. (except for the lottery, which makes hard core gamblers get their fix somewhere else)
Brad
Did you not read what I said about the Governor NOT being required to shut down the state government? Or do you just not believe me?
i grew up in NJ and my parents still live there.
what you guys may not realize is that in three of the past 5 years the fiscal budget was not met yet the previous governors did not shut down the gov't the let it "lapse" and moved forward. I dont know of any other governor in the US that has done this. correct me if i am wrong...he will not be reelected
Trained2beRich,
Thank you, that's exactly the point I was trying to get across to Brad. There is nothing in the constitution that ties the Governor's hands into shutting down the government. It is pure nonesense -- at the New Jersey taxpayers' expense.
Corzine could care less. He has so much money that he knows nothing about the effect his policies have on "normal" people.
Didn't this governor just take office in January? I mean I am sure the governor knew this was a holiday weekend and saw that everything was going to be closed anyway. This will be fixed by Wednesday at the lastest.
This situation happened in an episode of "The West Wing". The executive branch has the power to do things like this.
There is something that bugs me about this situation though....because it is a democrat governor fighting with a democrat assembly. Now if it was a republican assembly then it wouldn't be such a weird situtation.
The governor of NJ is a tough guy. We need more of them in politics. Enough of this bargaining until there is no bargaining left to bargain. He is just trying to get something done.
Brad
Brad,
Are you for real? You don't take revenue off the table if you're trying to bridge a deficeit...! If you lived in this State you might have a different mentality.
Ok I will agree that I am not in the state and never have been a resident of the state of New Jersey. I am trying to give a non-biased "out of the box" opinion.
I understand that this has happened before in the past couple years but they hammered out a deal within two days of the deadline. I guess the governor knew it would take longer this time around.
I am not saying this isn't political suicide. But the people that live in New Jersey...would you like to pay an extra penny for every dollar you spend on goods or would you like to see billions of dollars cut from the budget which in turn would mean less services to the people of the state of New Jersey.
To the residents of New Jersey: Tell me how this is effecting your every day life. Maybe that will give me some insight. Besides the obvious lack of a lottery. How is this political consequence effecting you?
Brad
In reading the assortment of responses, (which have been eye openers), I do think that Brad is being misunderstood. He stands by the "principle" of a constitution bestowed to those in power. He may well have a few facts mistated but more over I think the response was middle ground and informative. Being outside looking in doesnt make the perspective any less worthy or accurate. Its refreshing that some folks are objective and not subjective.
I would like to see some of the unnecessary construction cut. It just ties up traffic everywhere. Must ALL OF the bridges on Route 46 be demolished and rebuilt, plus the 23 interchange, AT THE SAME TIME? They're even hinting at cutting off prescription drug aid and hospitals. This is much more than just the Lottery/Casinos/Racetrack. This is what happens when people depend TOO MUCH on Government to provide for them. I'd rather see all those services privatized so they'd be there no matter what the problem is in Trenton. I'll even fork over the extra penny if they would be clear about what it's specifically needed for.
I would have matched a "pair" in nj on the Pick 3 if I were able to play it today. I'm curious if anyone won on a play-ahead a big prize and now they're sitting on it waiting for His Royal Highness to allow them to claim their prize.
Ok I will agree that I am not in the state and never have been a resident of the state of New Jersey. I am trying to give a non-biased "out of the box" opinion.
I understand that this has happened before in the past couple years but they hammered out a deal within two days of the deadline. I guess the governor knew it would take longer this time around.
I am not saying this isn't political suicide. But the people that live in New Jersey...would you like to pay an extra penny for every dollar you spend on goods or would you like to see billions of dollars cut from the budget which in turn would mean less services to the people of the state of New Jersey.
To the residents of New Jersey: Tell me how this is effecting your every day life. Maybe that will give me some insight. Besides the obvious lack of a lottery. How is this political consequence effecting you?
Brad
Brad,
The whole point of this discussion, Is that He didn't have to shut government down period...! He has chosen to put himself in the history books as the only person to shut a state governing body down, because and only because the legislature woundn't give in to him and pass his raising of the sales tax. It's a bargaining tactic that has been used for a long time, but not with the reckless abandonment that he has used..!
Whom is this going to effect? It has long range reprocussions that will virtually effect everyone in this State from small children to the elderly.
There were other avenues for raising the needed revenue to bridge the budget, but he chose to "bully' the legislature with his take it or leave it attitude. He has shown that he could care less about the individual who is strugling to make a living.
Look at it in this perspective. It's the fourth quarter with 11 seconds left, score is
20-17, no time outs and your on the 10 yard line and all you have to do is kick a field goal and the game will continue, but as the head coach you choose to go for the win instead of the tie and decide to take points off the scoreboard for a moment of glory. If I'm in this posistion I kick the field goal and go on rather than demoralize the players and fans and I would do that because I'm the head coach with a lot of good assistant coaches who work with me. Clearer heads prevail in groups not as individuals...!
I will not call him the governor, because to Me his is not...! A real Governor would not take tax dollars off the table when their is a budget crisis. If someone proposes something and it isn't satifactory to everyone else concerned, than you look for alturnatives, rather than use an executive right to "bully" your way into the history books. How pathetic is he, that he can't even live up to the job that people of this State entrusted him to do. He had other avenues to follow which I reiderate to you, but chose Not too...!
If someone starts a recall petition for him, you can bet I'll be right there every step of the way. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and this is MINE. I have no use for LIARS, nor Dictators period...!!!!!!
I would like to see government officials start taking pay cuts in their own pay to help the Budget, but no you won't see that happen!
The people this hurts is the little guys!
We are to budget our puny incomes and live off of it however! They want more money from taxpayers to fix the budget! While they spend money on lavish food parties, trips and the likes and live high on the hog! So if anyone wants to be rich and live like a King or Queen, get into government!
I would be disappointed if NJ players can't play any more lotto due to budget problems.
I thought NJ being shut-down was going to only last a few days, maybe a week at the most. Is it looking like it will go longer then that?
Ok I will agree that I am not in the state and never have been a resident of the state of New Jersey. I am trying to give a non-biased "out of the box" opinion.
I understand that this has happened before in the past couple years but they hammered out a deal within two days of the deadline. I guess the governor knew it would take longer this time around.
I am not saying this isn't political suicide. But the people that live in New Jersey...would you like to pay an extra penny for every dollar you spend on goods or would you like to see billions of dollars cut from the budget which in turn would mean less services to the people of the state of New Jersey.
To the residents of New Jersey: Tell me how this is effecting your every day life. Maybe that will give me some insight. Besides the obvious lack of a lottery. How is this political consequence effecting you?
Brad
I think the NJ residents have already provided "insight" on these forums, and how it is "effecting (sic) [their] everyday life." You don't seem to be listening. You seem to want to present an opposing view, and then not listen to the response.
Tell you what: how about the state of Michigan pitches in and spends an "extra penny" (your words) on everything to help out the old Garden State? After all a "penny" (your words) is no big deal, right?
There are so many things done in secret and what you are told, hear and see is not always true and the truth is hidden for the most part in politics. I also hate to see people form opinions based on whether a person is a democrat, Republican, black, white, Hispanic, straight or gay. I think those kind of labels tend to cloud the issues and play on people hatred and prejudices, and sometimes causes a person to miss the whole point.
I think an outsider need to come in and straighten it out. It happened on my job and the new guy got rid of the culprits and a few innocent people who were not but a few snakes through subterfuge remained. It was what was made to believe and they got to stay.
We will probably never find out what the real problem is with NJ's budget.
I don't understand how I am not listening. I am not taking sides here. I personally don't care if they raise the tax in NJ or cut the services the state provides. Neither outcome effects me since I don't live in the state.
All I am trying to say is that the governor has the power to do this kind of thing...you might think it is stupid you might think it is smart.....but the governor has the power to do it. The constitution of NJ spells it out.
I am not for nor against it but I believe in the governor having the power to do it. If he wants to exercise that power albeit let him. It will be his problem to face in the future if there are some. But that is what I want to get across. I am neither for or against the government being shut down but I am for allowing the governor what the constitution empowers him to do so.
Brad
Brad,
If you were the owner of a big buisness, that had thousands of employees working for you and had a crisis because of insurance problems. What would you do? would you shut the company down because you have the right to do it, or would you seek another option that would'nt cause any heartache or suffering on your employees.
Now, I'll ask you again. Would you shut the company down, "because you had the right to do that", or would you seek another option? Which one would you choose...!
New Jersey is big buisness with a lot of employees, but it is also the most corrupt State within the States. these people whom parade around the State house trying to act as though they're politicians where they occasionally pound their fist on the podium as if they're mad at something, while under their breath they're saying "sucker" is all to common. Everyone of these so-called politicians walk around disguised as someone THEY ARE NOT...!
Alright i've shot my mouth off long enough on this. Which one would you choose?
This is from the NJ website
"
As a last observation, four days ago, as a result of the Legislature’s failure to pass a budget, the Constitution and laws of our state required this unfortunate shutdown of all non-essential state services. This shutdown is not a discretionary action, but a legal requirement, imposed upon the Office of the Governor by the Constitution. It is deplorable that the people of this state are left in such a painful position, but I do not have the authority to simply ignore the law and keep certain things open just because it makes life easier."
This is where I come from. Since when is breaking the law a good thing just because it makes peoples' lives easier.
Brad
OK, Oh Boy another one bites the dust Cough Cough. Well I dont see why the gov. would do this either. It is a KNOWN fact for the state to mamke money. And even if there isnt " the big one" in their state. They are still not LOSING anything only gaining. It sounds to me that there is a lil more behind this then being told and if the N.J. residents cant play I am sure that they are going to travel ( the devoted ones) and I know that can be a b1tch to do cause, I have to do so for the powerball and its a 2 hr drive when I want to play. ANY HOW at least once he does this I bet there isnt anyone that is going to vote him back in and then the next gov that comes along will fix it ;) Oh and Bradly make sure you give your HONORABLE VOTE for the crooked gov that you so proudly support
"It is deplorable that the people of this state are left in such a painful position, but I do not have the authority to simply ignore the law and keep certain things open just because it makes life easier."
This is where I come from. Since when is breaking the law a good thing just because it makes peoples' lives easier."
PLEASE Like they give 2 hoots about US
And is Michigan on another planet?
Sassy
Where the heck have you been? I haven't seen you in a long time!!
I was in C'bus last week.
Ok maybe I am blind to the fact that New Jersey is a very very bad state.
That seems to be the impression I am getting from a lot of people. If this is true then I can see why you guys are just so fed up with the state government of New Jersey that it can do nothing right.
I guess I didn't realize that the New Jersey government is full of people that would sell the residents of their state to another state if it meant money in their pocket.
And then I thought well the governor has only been in office for 6 months.....so maybe he is finally trying to get the crooked people back in their place. But then I realized my opinion doesn't count.
Brad
Brad,
I hear 'ya, but if it was happening to your state (Michigan), I would be more interested in hearing what you had to say than someone who lived in Alabama. You see where we New Jerseyans are coming from? Of course your opinion counts, but it is frustrating to hear someone who doesn't really know the score tell us something we know isn't true about our own state.
How is closing the lottery and casinos going to help with a budget shortfall? Wouldn't it make more sense to keep current revenue coming in until you can figure out a way to increase revenue or decrease spending?
Todd, Georgia used to have hugely corrupt politicians but they seem to have cleaned things considerably in recent years. Many of the "Boss Hogs" died off with new more conservative blood replacing them. I hope voters remember your governor well come election time.
Sassy
Where the heck have you been? I haven't seen you in a long time!!
I was in C'bus last week.
well I will send ya my email next time let me know!!!! I been here and there lol still keep up with all the latest news reports on here just not on EVERYDAY like I was lol.... I seem to be ON THE GO here latly ;). But yeah let me know then next time that ya coming through and me and Ri get with ya a go have a drink or scratch some tickets
Sassy,
Just send me a PM...I should be up there again really soon...and win the MM before I get there, will ya?