Keep Sikorsky and Jobs in Stratford

Hartford, CT – State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) released the following statement re: United Technologies’ potential sale of Sikorsky aircraft in Stratford.

“It is clear parent company United Technologies will decide by the end of next month whether to sell Sikorsky or to spin off the helicopter maker into a stand-alone company.

“What I want to see is that jobs remain here in Connecticut no matter what is decided. During the last four years there have been several rounds of layoffs at Sikorsky – the most recent 180 jobs lost after a facility in Bridgeport was consolidated because of low demand for helicopters.

“Sikorsky has more than 15,000 employees in all, with divisions in Pennsylvania, Florida and a number of other states, in addition to suppliers all over globe. What I fear is the company may decide to take operations to a state like Florida where the tax structure is more favorable to jobs.

“It is our sincere hope the legislature will reconsider the recently passed state budget – which no republicans supported. The new tax increases on jobs amount to more than $700 million. These tax hikes only set the table for more instability for jobs and more hardship on workers and small mom and pop shops surrounding manufacturers like Sikorsky.

“The tax hikes if left in the state budget will only create a domino effect. Once a large employer like Sikorsky leaves, real-estate drops, restaurants shutter, gas stations lose business and the local municipality loses its largest tax payer. I urge the Governor to veto the budget and help us save jobs before it is too late.”