Neither snow nor sleet nor gloom of the state government’s fiscal problems will prevent Gov. Chris Christie from addressing a joint session of the Legislature Thursday on the $2 billion 2009-10 budget deficit that must be eliminated no later than June 30. Michael Drewniak, Christie’s press secretary, said Wednesday the 10:30 a.m. address in the Statehouse Assembly chamber has not been postponed despite the up to 20 inches of snow that has fallen on New Jersey. Christie has declared a state of emergency in South Jersey, allowing police to decide when roads may be used.

Christie is expected to propose how his administration would eliminate the deficit.

According to David J. Rosen, the budget and finance officer for the non-partisan state Office of Legislative Services, has told legislators the deficit has arisen because of lower than expected tax revenue. He said the state’s fiscal problems are part of the worst economic downturn since The Great Depression.

As they confront the 2009-10 deficit, Christie and legislators must also overcome a 2010-11 budget deficit of at least $8 billion and one that Rosen warns could climb as high as $11 billion. That deficit must also be eliminated by June 30. NJN