Marcus Rayner • The Star-Ledger / To the editor

In his Dec.13 article “Gov.’s office needs to regain its clout,” John Farmer Jr. correctly suggested that Gov.-elect Chris Christie utilize his office’s institutional powers to take control of the budget process as he prepares to “turn Trenton upside d

In his Dec.13 article “Gov.’s office needs to regain its clout,” John Farmer Jr. correctly suggested that Gov.-elect Chris Christie utilize his office’s institutional powers to take control of the budget process as he prepares to “turn Trenton upside down.” But with so little room to maneuver on budget issues, the incoming governor must also look for ways to improve the business climate immediately, and tort reform is an area where the governor-elect should focus.

The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) recently cited New Jersey as a “judicial hellhole” due to our reputation for lawsuit abuse. Ninety-three percent of the lawsuits filed against our pharmaceutical companies in mass torts were from out-of-state litigants, whose cases would never see the light of day in their home jurisdictions. Large employers and local governments alike are continually increasing their legal defense budgets to fight frivolous litigation, exacerbating New Jersey’s affordability problem.

Tort reform is a revenue-neutral policy reform that will improve the business climate, paying off in the form of more jobs, more innovation, and a stronger New Jersey. It may also offer one of the best ways for this governor and pro-business democrats in the Legislature to send the message that New Jersey is open for business again.