New Jersey is mired in yet another budget battle as Republican Governor Chris Christie and leaders in the Democrat-controlled legislature try to strike a deal before the constitutional deadline which is a little over two weeks from today. Tomorrow, State Senators and Assembly members will descend on the State House in Trenton for committee hearings, but budget panels are not scheduled to meet. Meanwhile, the Senate State Government, Wagering and Tourism Committee will convene and one measure to be considered would extend condolences to the family of the late Whitney Houston.

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Internationally known for her singing and acting, Houston was found dead on February 11, 2012 in her Beverly Hills Hotel room. On March 22, 2012, the Los Angeles County coroner's office reported the cause of Houston's death was drowning and the "effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use".

The resolution to be considered in committee tomorrow is co-sponsored by State Senator and former NJ Governor Dick Codey. Senator Ron Rice from Newark is the other sponsor. The resolution “honors the memory of singer, entertainer, and New Jersey native, Whitney Houston, and extends condolences to her family for their loss.”

The resolution statement found the state website reads, “Whitney Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey where she was brought up in a talented musical family, singing gospel music at the New Hope Baptist Church. She was discovered by legendary music producer Clive Davis when she was 19-years old and subsequently released two wildly successful albums in the 1980s. She went on to star in several films with hit soundtracks to which she contributed. She has won the most awards of any female artist of all time and is revered as a master of her craft. Whitney Houston’s contribution to the world of music is immeasurable, and the Legislature wishes to acknowledge her value as a person and as a singer in New Jersey’s great musical heritage.”

Shortly after Houston's death Christie received some criticism for ordering flags to fly at half-staff in her honor.

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