Christie relaxes at beach he shut

UNITED STATES: Governor Chris Christie spent part of his Sunday lounging with his family on a beach at a state park he ordered closed to the public amid a government shutdown that showed little sign of ending.

The unpopular Republican governor, whose family was using the state residence at Island Beach State Park for the weekend, said later that he flew on a state helicopter to the residence.

‘‘That’s where my family is sleeping so that’s where I’ll sleep,’' he said. ‘‘When I have a choice between sleeping with my family or sleeping alone, I generally like to sleep where my family is.’'

The governor was photographed sitting with his family on a beach chair in sandals and a T-shirt before flying to talk to reporters in the state capital Trenton, where he worked without result to end the shutdown.

Christie defended his use of the state property during the shutdown. People were kept out of state parks with signs blaming Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, saying: ‘‘That’s the way it goes. Run for governor, and you can have the residence.’'

Christie said he would consider the Democratic budget along with legislation to overhaul the state’s biggest health insurer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. Or without the Horizon legislation he has called for, he would line item veto about $350 million of the Democratic priorities.

‘‘It should end today. Send me a budget. I’m ready to work, but I can’t work if I don’t have any money.’’

Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney, who is allied with Christie, called for a meeting with lawmakers and Horizon’s chief executive to try to hash out a way forward.

Democrats are splintered over the impasse, with Prieto opposed to the plan and Sweeney in favour. The term-limited governor blames the shutdown on Prieto, who continues to hold open a vote on the Assembly floor on the $34.7 billion budget that remains deadlocked with 27 yes votes, shy of the 41 needed to succeed. Democrats who are abstaining say they worry about Christie line item vetoing education funding from the budget.

Christie ordered the shutdown of non-essential state services, like parks and motor vehicle offices, on Friday after he and lawmakers failed to agree on terms.

He had demanded that lawmakers pass Senate-approved legislation to make over Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, but yesterday said he would reopen the government under either scenario.

Prieto has said he was concerned about tweaking the state’s biggest insurer when congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump are contemplating overhauling the Affordable Care Act.

The public has begun feeling the effects of the shutdown with Cub Scouts forced to leave a state park campsite and people unable to obtain or renew documents from the state motor vehicle commission. – AP

"I'm ready to work, but I can't work if I don't have any money.'' Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie