TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine highlighted his record of progress today in the annual state of the state message and offered a vision of hope and optimism for the future of New Jersey as the state weathers the national economic crisis.

"Today, as we assess the state of our state and look ahead to the challenges of 2009, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride in the people of New Jersey," Governor Corzine said. "Despite the challenges of today's national economic crisis, the people of our state are pushing forward in building better schools, broadening access to health care, making our streets safer, and building a more secure world."

Governor Corzine noted that over the past year, New Jersey has advanced efforts to combat hunger, provide home energy assistance, and proactive initiatives to prevent home foreclosures - all in response to the slumping national economy. New Jersey's foreclosure prevention program is now recognized as a national model for other states, and has achieved national recognition in several quality of life categories:

* With the Bush Administration threatening to remove 10,000 New Jersey children from the Family Care health insurance program, the state expanded the program to include a child mandate an enrolled more working and moderate-income families. The state also increased grants to community health centers.

* This month, Education Week magazine rated New Jersey one of the top five school systems for overall performance, and number two in providing a chance for graduates to succeed. Governor Corzine fought to authorize $3.9 billion in new school construction funds to leverage up to $5.4 billion, which will be used to upgrade substandard facilities.

* In 2007 New Jersey achieved a 7 percent reduction in violent crime and an 11 percent reduction in the murder rate. In the first three quarters of 2008, violent crime was down 7 percent and murders down 6 percent. Highway deaths are down 17.8 percent since last year, the lowest level in 25 years.

Governor Corzine said such accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong will of New Jerseyans.

"Our state has long been blessed by its deep well of talent and by the character of its people - people who have built, in good times and bad, a tradition of achievement and excellence," Governor Corzine said. "Our determination remains strong, our drive undiminished, and our work ethic knows no bounds."

While economic concerns remain "priority number one, priority number two, and priority number three," Governor Corzine said the state must not turn its back on long-term strategic objectives, such as reforming and restructuring state finances, improving government ethics, enhancing public safety, improving the educational system, and protecting the state's most vulnerable citizens. Noting that substantial, meaningful reforms are now in place, the state must go the extra mile and continue "doing more with less."

For the upcoming year, Governor Corzine will continue to take direct action in working with municipalities to help contain property taxes and has instructed the Local Finance Board to strictly enforce the 4 percent tax levy cap. He has also asked for concrete recommendations on shared services and consolidations and is directing COAH to provide maximum flexibility for review of the affordable housing plans.

In addition, Governor Corzine has called for a one year moratorium on the 2.5 percent developer's fee and exempting projects that were in the pipeline before the fee was instituted. The Governor also proposes the establishment of a long-term funding source for open space preservation.

"Through all of these initiatives, we're planting the seeds for prosperity," Governor Corzine said. "We are positioning as many people and businesses as possible to survive the national recession and then thrive once the inevitable recovery begins."

All of these elements, he said, meld together in an overall strategy for economic recovery and a better quality of life for all citizens.

"New Jersey has strong character because its people believe in the common good," Governor Corzine said. "I've been blessed with good fortune in my life like many of you, and I have a responsibility to give something back. I may not always say what is popular, but you can be sure that it comes from the heart.

"We may not always agree, but we share a common commitment to making the world a better place for this generation, and the next."

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Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available
in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/