GOVERNOR CHRISTIE CALLS FOR “AMERICAN RENEWAL” IN NJ STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Calling for “a New Jersey renewal and an American renewal,” Governor Chris Christie delivered his 2015 State of the State of the Address to a joint session of the New Jersey Legislature today, focusing on economic growth, continued pension and benefit reforms, and an expansion of drug treatment programs.

Governor Christie, who is expected to declare his presidential candidacy within the next month, delivered a speech that reiterated his achievements of the past five years while focusing on broad national themes of fiscal responsibility, economic development and urban renewal.

Touting the successful expansion of the drug court system, Governor Christie called for new policies to streamline drug treatment and expand offender re-entry programs to five major cities.  The Governor highlighted his partnership with Democrats in Camden, including Mayor Dana Redd, in improving education, reducing crime, and creating jobs.

Finally, while the Governor did not detail any specific proposals in his speech, he stated that the bipartisan pension commission is crafting reforms to address the state’s unfunded pension liabilities. Leaders of the Democrat-controlled Legislature have vowed to push back against any further reductions to state employees’ health and benefits packages.

Click here to read the text of the Governor’s 2015 State of the State address.