The state director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said that Gov. Christopher Christie is off to a “fast and impressive start” after announcing a plan to deal with the state’s $2 billion budget deficit earlier today.

“New Jersey’s struggling small business community has been waiting a long time for Trenton to get its fiscal house in order, and today’s announcement is welcome news,” said Laurie Ehlbeck.  “Employers already being squeezed by the economic slowdown and one of the highest tax burdens in the nation can no longer afford to be the piggy bank for the wish list of every constituency and special interest group in the state.”

Ehlback said that Christie should be commended for a bold plan.

“One-time gimmicks and fiscal shell games designed to temporarily patch our problems have brought us to the brink of an $11 billion hole,” Ehlback said.  “Many of the upcoming budget decisions will be uncomfortable, but they are a necessary evil for a state that has taxed and spent its way into the poor house. Tightening our belts and learning to live within our means is the only path to economic salvation for New Jersey.”