Governor Chris Christie delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday, outlining his accomplishments during eight years in office.
“I am proud to be here today to tell you that the State of our State is very good and -- without question -- much better than it was eight years ago,” Christie said.
The governor detailed his work criminal justice reform, a property tax cap and improving higher education. He also defended the underfunded pension system, blaming his predecessors.
“Both parties, for thirty years, added to this problem. They didn’t talk about it. They not only didn’t fix it, they made it worse each and every year. Then, they deposited it in my lap in January of 2010,” Christie said.
Christie said he confronted the problem by reforming the system, increasing contributions and dedicating the Lottery to pensions. He said his administration contributed $8.8 billion to the system, which is more than twice what the previous five governors contributed combined.
The governor thanked and praised a number of lawmakers he worked with, including Democrats. He also wished Governor Elect Phil Murphy luck, but warned the progress of the last eight years can be reversed.
“I leave you today grateful, happy and a better man than I was when I walked in here for the first time eight years ago. For that and so much more, I thank you,” Christie said.
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