The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce supports the goals of lower taxes and controlled spending as enumerated every year, and this year, by Gov. Christie in his budget addresses.

We applaud the sense of urgency he has brought to the issues of school aid, transportation funding, pension payments and the opioid problem.

These are difficult challenges, though last year leaders from both parties demonstrated with the Transportation Trust Fund and tax reform that they can reach responsible and effective solutions when they put aside partisanship and put New Jersey first.

In his speech, the governor discussed potential solutions to each of these major issues. While some of his proposals are unique, we need to better understand them and make sure they are fair and balanced for all stakeholders.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce looks forward to learning more about Gov. Christie’s ideas, and we are ready to work with the administration and the state Legislature on the fiscal year 2018 budget proposal to find solutions that will sustain a robust economy, and benefit everyone in the state.

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