By Senator Rob Kane
One of the most rewarding parts of
my job as a State Senator is talking to constituents
about the issues that matter most to them. I enjoy
the experience even more when the people I meet are
children and young adults because they are so eager
to learn, so enthusiastic about pretty much everything,
and so full of hope for the future.
That is why I was happy to accept an
invitation to participate in the recent 2009 Regional
Middle School & High School Career Fair at the
Cornucopia Banqueting Hall in Torrington. The event
was organized by the Northwest Connecticut Chamber
of Commerce along with its Community Education Business
Partnership, of which Thomaston High School is a member.
Students in grades seven through 12 and their parents
were invited to spend a few hours checking out the
displays and speaking with professionals from a wide
variety of fields.
As both a State Senator and the owner
of a small business, I talked with the students and
answered questions about both of my occupations. I
was impressed that so many businesses and government
agencies participated. Students and their parents
spent the evening visiting their booths, and had the
opportunity to ask professionals what it is like to
work in their fields and to prepare themselves for
jobs in those professions. They had the opportunity
to ask business leaders if a college degree is necessary
to work in particular professions and, if so, what
they should major in. Students were encouraged to
ask the participants about their careers, and what
kind of research and preparation they should do if
they want to follow in their footsteps. And, even
though this event was designed as a career fair, not
a job fair, students were free to ask business leaders
what types of jobs exist in their particular industries
or businesses.
Students who attended had the opportunity
to talk with professionals in the fields of agriculture,
engineering, manufacturing, law, insurance, information
technology, various social and human services, finance,
hospitality, health, education, arts, transportation,
marketing, construction, architecture, environment,
government, and more. The students I spoke with were
respectful and interested, and many asked questions
that showed they have already spent some time thinking
about the careers they might want to pursue. I was
very impressed.
When talking with these students and
their parents, I was reminded about how important
it is for the General Assembly to consider the best
interest of all of our constituents when making decisions
and passing laws. In just a few short years, the students
who attended the career fair will be looking for jobs
in earnest. Are the laws we are passing, the tax policies
we are implementing, the government spending and borrowing
we are doing going to help, or hurt, these children
when they need to find jobs in Connecticut?
It is no secret that I opposed the
$37.6 billion biennial state budget just adopted by
the General Assembly because it is too expensive,
requires too much borrowing, increases a wide variety
of state fees, and imposes a tax surcharge on Connecticut’s
larger businesses. Our children would be better served
by a state budget that controls spending and taxes
because, among other things, such a budget would encourage
the retention and creation of jobs. It was obvious
to me that the young adults I had the privilege to
meet at the career fair will grow up to be responsible,
contributing, members of society. Clearly, making
it possible, and desirable, for them to work, live,
and raise their own families in Connecticut would
be best for all of us.
As always, I encourage my constituents
to share their concerns and ideas. I can be reached
at my legislative office in Hartford at 1-800-842-1421,
or via e-mail to Rob.Kane@cga.ct.gov.
