Governor-elect Chris Christie may declare a financial state of emergency once he takes over in January, according to The Star-Ledger.
The paper reports such a declaration could allow Christie to suspend rules governing state worker layoffs. Christie could also renegotiate the state?s union contracts worked out by Gov. Jon Corzine.
Corzine?s deal with the Communication Workers of America promises two raises in the next fiscal year and a no-layoff pledge through December 2010.
Christie, meanwhile, says he?d also like his team to tackle the $8 billion shortfall before he takes office.