New Jersey Governor May Claim State of Emergency

[Moe Bedard]

Such a declaration — invoking the same law as if New Jersey were hit by a natural disaster — could give Christie broad powers, such as suspending rules governing state worker layoffs. With many state workers due to receive two raises in the next fiscal year and a no-layoff pledge in place through December 2010, Christie's transition team expects to tackle the issue before he takes office Jan. 19, two of his advisers said Monday.

The officials, who requested anonymity because the discussions are preliminary, said it is too early to determine whether a state of emergency would be an attractive proposition or a last resort in the face of a continuing recession.

Christie, a Republican who defeated Governor Corzine last week, will face an estimated $8 billion shortfall for the budget he must present by March.

NorthJersey.com: Christie weighing 'state of emergency' for budget