Less Ostriches, More Leaders

October 1, 2015

Many of you are familiar with a behavior known as the ostrich effect.

The name comes from the legend that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger.

I bring this up because the ostrich effect is taking place at our State Capitol in Hartford.

  • Gov. Malloy’s top budget chief says Connecticut is in a “permanent fiscal crisis.”
  • The Democrat-backed state budget is a proven disaster after just 90 days of existence.
  • The governor’s latest cuts to services for the most vulnerable have been described as “inhumane”, “callous” and “brutal”.
  • Our anti-business climate has major job creators like General Electric threatening to leave.
  • Donald Klepper-Smith recently said, “In my 35 years as a professional economist, I can’t recall a time when business confidence was more threatened (in Connecticut).”
  • The governor continues to rack up record debt that our children and grandchildren will have to pay back in the form of higher taxes.
  • A $1 billion budget deficit awaits us next year, which will lead to more taxes and more painful cuts.

So, with all that going on, what are the Democrat majorities in Hartford doing about it?

Are they standing up to the governor and convening a special session to fix the mess, as Republicans have urged?

No.

Are they meeting with Republicans to discuss how to get Connecticut back on a sustainable path?

No.

As your state senator, I always tell it to you straight. Our state is in big trouble on so many levels. Hospitals here in western Connecticut and throughout the state are laying off workers. Crucial services for the elderly, the disadvantaged, and the sick are being slashed.

Action needs to be taken immediately, but it isn’t.

I serve in the minority and I will continue to sound the fiscal alarm bell, but I must point out to you that the Democrat leaders who control the legislative process in Hartford have their heads in the sand.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope.

One Democrat state representative, Catherine Abercrombie of Meriden, recently spoke out in support of a special session. Rep. Abercrombie noted, “I’m probably going to be in the hot seat, going against my leadership, but you know what, I wasn’t elected to just sit here and say, ‘this is ok.’”

We need more Democrats to stand tall as Rep. Abercrombie has done. May that spirit of courage and hope become contagious.

Connecticut needs less ostriches and more leaders. Now there’s a phrase to remember in future state elections.

*Sen. Boucher represents the 26th Senatorial District, which includes Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.