The Garden State was open for business Friday after Gov. Jon Corzine ordered state employees to work on the day after Thanksgiving.

The governor's office reported more than 5,000 protest calls from workers who didn't want to use a vacation day to stay home.

Unlike prior governors, Corzine refused to close state government for the day, saying it should be open to serve citizens.People at a busy DMV office agreed. "It's perfect for me," said Corinne Therrien, of North Brunswick. "I have off from work, so I'm able to come down here and take care of these types of things."

Corzine also reported to work. He planned to visit a DMV office in Lawrence.

Related information:Stateworkers target Corzine with phone call blitz