Christie orders planning for government shutdown

TRENTON - Gov. Christie has ordered cabinet members to begin planning for a government shutdown in case the state budget is not approved by the July 1 deadline.

The memo directs department heads to identify essential functions and personnel. The Newark Star-Ledger obtained a copy of the memo, distributed Friday.

Christie has proposed a $29.3 billion budget with sweeping spending cuts. Democrats, who control the Legislature, have been negotiating to restore some cuts.

While the memo says the administration is confident the budget process will be successful, Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said the governor's office was preparing for all possible outcomes. - AP