President Obama and Connecticut
by State Senator Dan Debicella

President Barack Obama’s swearing in January 20th is a momentous occasion for our nation, but it will also have an impact on our state government and Connecticut’s local economy.  While Obama’s upcoming inauguration has been covered extensively, I want to give a local viewpoint on how it will impact us here in Connecticut.

But first, I think it is worth noting that all of us—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—should celebrate how amazing America’s democracy is by historical standards.  In most countries throughout history (and in many places in the world today), transitions of power are often settled through violence.  America is amazing in so many ways, and the peaceful transition of power from one party to another is something for us as a nation to celebrate

I supported John McCain in the election last year.  But once an election has been decided, partisanship must give way to consensus and cooperation. We can begin by celebrating Barack Obama’s inauguration as the triumph of democracy that every election in a free society represents.  And we in Connecticut should look for whatever opportunities exist in the Obama administration to promote the best interests of our state.

President Obama’s new administration could have several implications for us in Connecticut and in the Greater Bridgeport region:

1. A Federal Stimulus Package.  Congress is considering a second economic stimulus package this month. Connecticut could receive as much as a couple of hundred million dollars in federal money.  The stimulus package would include money for “shovel-ready” projects—those that have all the permits and plans complete and are ready to hire people tomorrow.  Governor Jodi Rell has collected a list of such projects from us legislators and our municipal leaders.
   
   We have a number of projects in our area that could be eligible for funding—from improvements at Stratford Train Station to downtown Shelton redevelopment to road improvements on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway.  While we do not know specifically what will be in the stimulus package, know that I will be working with Governor Rell to ensure that our towns get a share of this federal money.
   
   But we should also be realistic that a federal stimulus package will not solve all of our problems.  Connecticut’s two year, $6 billion state deficit is not going to be solved by the federal government; we are going to have to make painful choices on spending cuts to avoid a tax increase.
   
   
2. A Return of Economic Optimism.  The intangible benefits of a new presidency are often just as important as the policy. Connecticut is in a recession, and recessions often feed on themselves.  Whatever you think of President Bush, there are can be no doubt that people are not feeling optimistic right now.  People are not spending, companies are not investing—and all that hunkering down is making the recession worse.
   
   Hopefully, Obama provides a “reset” to the national psyche that makes people more confident about our economy and about the future.  Only when companies start investing and consumers start spending will new jobs be created and reinstate economic growth here in Connecticut and nationwide.
   
   
3. A Chance of Bipartisanship.  Finally, President Obama has the opportunity to bring a new civility to the federal government—one that we can hopefully replicate here in Connecticut.  People are sick of endless bickering between the parties, and want practical solutions to our nation’s and state’s problems.  If Obama reaches out to us Republicans and tackles issues in a bipartisan way, he will set the right tone to tackle the challenges ahead.  I know Governor Rell works in a bipartisan way here in Connecticut, and I can tell you from experience it is the best way to actually get things accomplished.

I wish President Obama all the best as he starts his term as President.  I am an American first, and a Republican second.  As a Republican, I will no doubt have many policy differences with him in the next four years—which is healthy for our democracy.  But as an American first and foremost, I encourage all of us to root for the President’s success in turning the economy around and keeping America safe.  All of us are in this together, and together we improve our state and nation in the next four years.

Dan Debicella is the State Senator representing Stratford, Shelton, 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