The defense contractor employs more than 4,700 people in mostly high-tech jobs. Christie talked about keeping jobs in New Jersey and creating new ones.
"None of this will be effective if we don't slow down government spending and lower taxes," Gov. Christie said.
In addition to building the Aegis Defense System of the Navy, Lockheed Martin is testing a solar energy system as part of a renewable energy project. The governor outlined a three-pronged approach to attracting jobs, including a privately funded non-profit corporation called "Choose NJ," designed to convince the world that the Garden State is a good place for business.
This, despite New Jersey's 9.8% unemployment rate and the recent loss of 3,500 jobs. Christie said the business climate has to change.
"What is our problem? We are the most over tax-burdened state in America, we have the worst business climate for regulation in America, and we need to start changing that," he said.
Also Wednesday a New Jersey college president said proposed cuts in state aid to higher education will result in fewer scholarships, bigger classes and tuition increases.
Nine college and university presidents told the Assembly Budget Committee that Gov. Christie's proposed cuts would impact students directly.
His budget proposes slashing $173 million in aid to colleges and universities for the budget year that begins July 1. Higher ed took a midyear funding hit this year.
New Jersey ranks 47th among the states in higher ed appropriations.
Assemblyman Joe Malone, a Republican, says a long-term solution is needed. He says the state shorted colleges even in years when there was ample money.
The Assembly panel earlier reviewed the Community Affairs budget.