Closed Beaches On July 4? What Could Happen In NJ State Shutdown

New Jersey didn't look like it was getting any closer to averting a state shutdown this weekend. And it's a situation that could be a lot worse than it looks.

It doesn't help that a shutdown could shut down three new things that are supposed to give New Jersey's economy a left right around July 4: sports betting and the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ocean Resort casinos, which are both supposed to open in Atlantic City on Thursday.

And that's besides the fact that some of New Jersey's most popular state-run tourist attractions, parks and beaches – most notably Island Beach State Park – could be closed, too, just before July 4.

UPDATE: NJ Shutdown Updates: Gov. Phil Murphy Makes Big Tax-Hike Concessions

Murphy said during a press conference that he expects "logic" will prevail in the budget battle which will prevent a shutdown.

"I remain confident that we can work something out," Gov. Phil Murphy said.

See below the list of what could close on Sunday if state shuts down.

Murphy held a press conference on the standoff. Here it is:

Some lawmakers like state Sen. Chris Brown, R-Atlantic suggested that Murphy should sign an executive order exempting New Jersey's casinos and racetracks – where much of the sports betting is taking place – from a shutdown.

State law already says casinos and racetracks can stay open for the first seven days after a shutdown. But lawmakers weren't taking any chances, noting that an impasse could drag on.

"We need to ensure a government shutdown will not destroy the momentum of sports betting and the opening of the Hard Rock and Ocean Resort casinos so 27,000 middle class families can earn a decent living," Brown said.

It all hinges on a June 30 deadline (Saturday), presumably 11:59 p.m., for the passage of a budget that factions of the state's Democratic Party can't seem to agree to.

Much of the disagreement involves taxes and school funding. Murphy sad he's put forward a budget backed-up by "sound and sustainable revenues" from an increase in the income tax on residents with taxable incomes of over $1 million, closing corporate tax loopholes that benefit multi-state companies and restoring the state sales tax to 7 percent.

Senate President Steve Sweeney has resisted tax hikes – those he's pushed for a corporate tax increase –and says the Democratic Legislature will insist on providing increased state aid to underfunded school districts. Read more: 188 School Districts May Have To Raise Taxes To Stop NJ Shutdown

State lawmakers say they've wanted to avoid the embarrassment caused by last year's shutdown, when ex-Gov. Chris Christie was caught by a photographer as he set with his family on the closed Island Beach State Park beach (see video below).

Here is what would close down in the event of a shutdown:

• Casinos and racetracks...if the shutdown were to last more than 7 days.
• State parks – most notably Island Beach State Park, which typically fills up on July 4 weekend.
• Motor Vehicle Commission offices...although you can still renew your registrations and other related paperwork online.
• Non-essential state offices and most state courts

Patch: Getty Images