New Jersey

New Jersey Lawmakers Continue Discussions as Budget Deadline Looms

New Jersey Senate President says lawmakers are still "talking" with Gov. Phil Murphy ahead of a looming budget deadline.

Sweeney came out Friday from talks at the governor's Trenton office and said only that discussions were continuing. He says talks will resume later in the day.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said Thursday he would be at the Friday meeting, as well.

The biggest disagreement has been over how to pay for a nearly $37 billion state budget.

Murphy wants a hike on taxes on people earning more than $1 million. Sweeney and Coughlin have instead called for raising taxes on high-earning businesses.

Murphy and lawmakers shuttled offers back and forth this week, but so far have not announced a deal.

A balanced budget must be in place by midnight Saturday.

Copyright The Associated Press
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