It is widely anticipated that Gov. Chris Christie's first budget message, to be delivered on March 16, will show the harsh reality of New Jersey's bleak financial outlook. No one is expected to be spared.
Immediately following the Governor's address, every media outlet in the state will be hit with a barrage of letters from local lawmakers and special interest groups. Outraged and furious, these writers will all have very legitimate reasons as to why cuts in state funding will have dire effects on the most fragile New Jerseyans.

Anyone involved in governing and administrating a town or county in New Jersey understands the economic problems outlined in The Star-Ledger editorials of February 28 and March 1. The costs of labor, pensions, health benefits and binding arbitration agreements are strangling residents and administrators. Everyone is suffering. We have been addressing these issues in Essex County for more than two years, with limited support, and it is good to hear other governmental entities and public voices, such as the Ledger's editorial board, joining ours. I especially commend Governor Chris Christie, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver for addressing these serious issues, and assure them that we will assist them in every way we can.
Since the pilgrims first landed on Plymouth Rock in the winter of 1620, generations have relied on North American lumber for homes, stores, schools, houses of worship and any other buildings that have helped shape this country.
You won't find this advertised on the state tourism board's website, but it is a well-known fact that New Jersey has some of the purest street heroin in the nation. It is a popular choice among local drug users.
