Senator Cathy Cook, R-Mystic, said she is grateful for Governor M. Jodi Rell’s public expression of support for a $10-million low-interest loan pool pilot program and other proposals outlined in the interim report recently completed by the Governor’s Commission for the Diversification of Southeastern Connecticut.

“We worked hard,” said Senator Cook, a member of the commission, “and we will continue to work hard through the summer and fall to complete our report and finalize our recommendations. I am delighted that Governor Rell is happy with what the commission has done so far, and is willing to publicly support the recommendations we believe are necessary to put southeastern Connecticut on the road to a prosperous future. I know her to be a thoughtful and committed leader who sought input from the fifty plus members of the commission and the scores of additional leaders who participated in the subcommittees.  Her support for our recommendations is key to our success.  These recommendations are only the beginning of our work.  I look forward to continuing my work with the commission, and with all of the many government officials, community leaders, and business experts who want us to succeed.”

Governor Rell created the commission following the state’s successful efforts to keep open the U.S. Naval Submarine Base during the federal BRAC process.

 “Governor Rell has responded to our interim report by clearly stating her support for our many recommendations and by outlining that she will do her part to help bring them about. That is a level of commitment that should make all of us proud of our efforts, and confident of our ability to diversify and strengthen southeastern Connecticut’s economy. We learned so much from our close call with the BRAC.  Of course, we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I believe that, working together, we can build a better, brighter future for our part of the state. One that enhances our military expertise and also looks to provide jobs in the new economy for tomorrow,” said Senator Cook.