Governor Murphy said at a press conference today that he will be signing the budget passed in New Jersey’s Senate and Assembly before the July 1^st deadline, averting what would have resulted in a state government shutdown. Signing the budget was not a concession on his part, said Murphy, but rather was being done so that New Jersey residents can feel secure in planning their 4^th of July holiday weekend without worries that state parks and beaches will be closed due to a budget battle.

BREAKING: Governor Murphy says he will be signing the budget passed in NJ's Senate and Assembly, ending a week-long stalemate.

— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) June 27, 2019

Murphy also said that signing the budget does not mean that he is giving up on his millionaire’s tax – a proposal not included in the Senate and Assembly budget – and will work to make sure it is included in the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget. Murphy left open the possibility that he will line-veto parts of the budget, but that he was taking the prospects of a shutdown “off the table.”

During his remarks the governor also said he “somewhat begrudgingly” supports the plan by the Port Authority to raise toll rates on multiple bridges and tunnels that connect New Jersey and New York.