By David Madden

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) —-  New Jersey governor Chris Christie’s “State of the State” message, delivered this afternoon at the state house in Trenton, was more of a pep talk with a single message: a promise to recover from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, even though it may take years.

While the state has held up well, Christie said today, the feds have not done their part. And he won’t abide by that.

“We have stood with the citizens of Florida and Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, Iowa and Vermont, California and Missouri in their times of need,” he told legislators.  “Now I trust they will stand with us.”

The governor touted  lower property tax hikes, private sector job growth, and joint accomplishments on various reforms.

But Democrats believe that Christie painted an unbalanced picture.

“The revenue shortfall  is nothing that you heard from the governor,” said Assembly speaker Sheila Oliver, after listening to Christie’s address.  “This legislature and this governor will be challenged to address something that could approach a $2-billion deficit.”

That estimate has been long disputed by Christie’s budget staff.

Christie again urged Congress to approve $60 billion in storm aid for states that were hit hard by Superstorm Sandy (see related story).

Christie says despite Sandy’s wallop, New Jersey will be back “stronger than ever” after the storm.