(1) BUDGET – We must balance the budget with fiscal discipline, recognizing that, contrary to much that has been said, both the current and future year deficits derived primarily from over spending, not lack of revenue. Specifically, in each of the last three years spending has increased by over 5% per year, which is more than three times the current rate of inflation, which is now, and has been, approximately 1.5%. On the revenue side, revenues will grow in the current year on an annualized basis (excluding the “one-shots” and other distorting features) at 2.5%. While this is of course slower revenue growth than has been experienced in the recent boom years, it nevertheless represents a steady increase. The budget picture can be solved if we are realistic about these factors.

(2) TRANSPORTATION – In order to solve our unsustainable transportation glut in Fairfield County I will be a strong advocate of greatly expanding use of Metro North railroad for intra-state commuting, as recommended in the recent Transportation Strategy Board report. In contrast, suggestions for decking I-95 and widening the Merritt Parkway are not merely futile but in fact would make the problem far worse.

(3) CASINO EXPANSION – I have worked closely with the Alliance Against Casino Expansion to prepare legislation to prevent casino expansion which is expected to be voted on Monday January 6th. This includes repeal of so-called charity “Las Vegas Nights” and also requires an environmental impact statement for future Indian casinos.

4) HIGHWAY SAFETY
(A) Graduated Licenses – Connecticut needs to adopt a graduated driver’s license for 16 and 17 year olds, limiting nighttime driving and limiting the ability to carry other teenage passengers. This legislation, modeled on laws now in force in 47 other states, recognizes the reality that teenage drivers are involved in fatal accidents in a proportion much higher than their portion of the driving
population.
(B) Open Alcoholic Containers – Legislation must prohibit drivers from having an open alcoholic container in a moving vehicle unless it is in a secure place out of reach of the driver. This again is modeled on similar legislation in most other states.

(5) ENVIRONMENT / ENERGY – We need to rationalize and expand the permit process and the regulatory criteria for establishing power plants in Connecticut. This involves combining the functions of the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Siting Council. The problem is that each of these agencies examines a small slice of the issue without consulting and coordinating with the others and without an overall strategy.

(6) CRIME – Establish a ballistic fingerprinting law requiring that ballistic data be maintained on handguns, modeled on present legislation in New York and Maryland. This will assist police in solving violent crimes.