Connecticut is facing many challenges right now, and we need practical solutions for these trying times—not partisan attacks or negative campaigning. I am focusing on the ideas that will help our families and address the three major challenges facing Connecticut: improving the economy, lowering energy prices, and eliminating the state budget deficit without raising taxes.
Fortunately, the towns of the Greater Bridgeport area have all had some real wins in the past two years. Stratford, Shelton, Monroe, and Seymour all received 10-20% increases in state education funding—without raising state taxes.
We have accomplished much for each of our towns in the past two years. For Stratford, I authored the bill to stop Raymark waste from being consolidated in residential neighborhoods, obtained $26 million for the water treatment plant, and co-sponsored the bill to keep Sikorsky Airport’s fate in Stratford’s control. For Shelton, I secured $18 million in state bond money for the new Upper Elementary School, obtained $2 million for downtown redevelopment, and stopped the dumping of toxic materials in the Housatonic River. For Monroe, we obtain funds for road improvements and new elevators at the elementary schools.
However, Connecticut as a whole faces three big challenges in 2009, and I have specific proposals to address each of them.
1) Improving the Economy. Connecticut needs to become more friendly to small businesses, which will be the engine that pulls us out of the recession. I have proposed tax credits for any small business that creates jobs in Connecticut. I also believe we have to reduce burdensome regulation (such as permitting) on small business, which discourages job growth. Finally, I believe Connecticut can expand on its successful film industry tax credit to other “next generation” industries such as biotechnology and alternative energy. Only by making Connecticut a great place to open and run a business will be get job growth going in our state.
At the same time, we have to help our seniors on a fixed income. Connecticut is one of only four states that taxes pensions and social security. I have proposed eliminating the state income tax on these retirement funds, which will provide an immediate 6% boost to senior’s incomes.
2) Lowering Energy Costs. Even though the price of gas is dropping, we still need a permanent solution to our energy crisis. I believe we need short, medium, and long term plans to guarantee a secure and reasonably priced supply of energy. In the short term, I have proposed suspending the sales tax on home heating fuel. Because we have a surplus from the gas tax (which is partially a percentage of the price), we have an extra $100 million in the transportation fund we can return to families immediately.
In the medium term, the federal government needs to encourage expansion of domestic oil and natural gas supplies in environmentally safe areas. In the long term, Connecticut should create tax incentives for the adoption of alternative energy such a solar, fuel cell, and hybrid power. Alternative energy is an issue of adoption, not technology. We have the technology, but the upfront capital cost is too expensive for families and small businesses. Connecticut can create tax incentives to help pay for the upfront cost.
3) Eliminating Connecticut’s budget deficit. Connecticut is projected to have a $300 million budget deficit, but this could grow to as much as a billion dollars with the current Wall Street crisis. I support Governor Jodi Rell’s plan to cut state spending, not raise state taxes, and not have any layoffs of state employees. I have suggested to her a three-point plan on how we can meet her goals (especially if the deficit grows).
First, we need to hold all departments to a zero percent increase next year. Second, we should enact a early retirement program that will reduce the number of state employees by 8% and save $100-$150 million per year. Third, we need to ask our public employees to share more of their health costs. Currently, state employee health benefits are amazingly generous relative to the private sector—with almost no copays or deductibles. We could save hundreds of millions per year by just making these equal to what most of us get in the private sector.
Connecticut can overcome these three challenges, but only if we take decisive action to enact well-thought out proposals. Know that as your State Senator I will continue to work for our families, and not engage in the type of negative, partisan attacks that have come to dominate our political landscape.
Dan Debicella is the State Senator representing Shelton, Stratford, Monroe, and Seymour. If you have feedback for him or want to talk about the issues, he can be reached toll-free at (800) 842-1421 or by e-mail at dan.debicella@cga.ct.gov.
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