N.J. Budget Approved, Shutdown Ends

(AP)  Gov. Jon S. Corzine issued an executive order early Saturday that ended a weeklong state government shutdown, bringing slot machine bells noisily to life as Atlantic City casinos reopened.

The governor acted minutes after lawmakers approved a $30.9 billion state budget that increases the state sales tax, ending the stalemate.

"I now feel comfortable we can begin the orderly restoring of the business of government," Corzine said.

The 12 casinos, which closed Wednesday, got permission to resume business at 7 a.m. On Monday, 45,000 furloughed state workers could return to work, although exact plans were not immediately announced.

Lottery sales resumed Saturday morning, and racetracks were set to reopen later in the day. State parks were to reopen Sunday. All state services were expected to operate as normal by Monday.

The Senate voted 23-17 to approve the budget at 4:20 a.m. The Assembly followed suit at 5:40 a.m., by a 44-35 vote.

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