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Official: NJ Health Commissioner To Resign

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An official in Gov. Chris Christie's administration said New Jersey's Health commissioner will announce Friday that she'll step down.

The official, who was not authorized to speak ahead of the announcement and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Poonam Alaigh will submit her resignation to the governor. No reason was immediately given.

Alaigh's department has been caught up in disputed policy decisions such as trying to implement a medical marijuana law and cutting funding for women's health clinics.

Democrats also have criticized Alaigh's decision to delay implementing a law requiring restaurants to display calorie counts on menus.

The 46-year-old Warren resident is an internist specializing in vascular disease. She was executive director of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey before joining the administration.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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