Sen. Kelly Outlines Proposals to Create Opportunities for Fiscal Stability & Economic Growth

February 13, 2019

Sen. Kelly Announced Proposals to Implement Public-Private Partnerships, Enhance Social Services & Create a “Buy Connecticut” Program for the Defense Industry

Kevin Kelly CT Press conference, Buy Connecticut

Today, State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) joined members of the Senate Republican Caucus at a press conference at the Legislative Office Building detailing a series of legislative proposals aimed at creating opportunities for Connecticut to grow and thrive.

The proposals seek to encourage economic growth and lower the costs of government to foster confidence and investment in Connecticut.

Two of the bills highlighted were proposed by Senator Kevin Kelly:

  • S.B. 288 AN ACT CONCERNING A PUBLIC-PRIVATE HUMAN SERVICES PARTNERSHIP.
    This bill seeks to improve the cost-effective delivery of human services and make sure such services are given to those in need. It would establish a partnership between state human service agencies and private providers to improve delivery of human services to low-income persons, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. It would also reduce the cost of such services and foster fraud investigations to uncover ineligible persons wrongfully receiving public assistance.
  • S.B. 108 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A BUY CONNECTICUT PROGRAM FOR DEFENSE CONTRACTORS.
    This bill would create incentives for defense contractors to utilize the services of in-state subcontractors and businesses. It would establish a “Buy Connecticut” program that provides sales tax exemptions and research and development tax credits to encourage defense contractors to utilize the services of Connecticut job creators.

Senator Kevin Kelly spoke about the importance of improving the quality and affordability of state social services:

“In recent years Connecticut has struggled to uphold its promises and has found itself cutting funding for core social services, leaving major gaps in the system. Clearly, we need to rethink how our state provides care so that we can meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents in a sustainable, affordable way. It’s been shown that private providers can often provide better quality services at a lower cost than the state. Connecticut needs to look toward the successes of our private sector nonprofits to improve care and reduce costs so that the most vulnerable can live in a state where they can count on care when they need it most.”

Senator Kelly also detailed the proposed “Buy Connecticut” program:

“Connecticut’s defense industry leads our nation in cutting edge innovation. It is an industry that has not only been successful itself in our state, but by doing business with other job creators big and small it has had a profound impact on our economy. Connecticut can and should do more to encourage those relationships. Establishing a Buy Connecticut program will incentivize defense contractors to work with the incredible talent here in our state. We have the best workforce, education and skills right here in Connecticut. Let’s help create relationships that benefit our state as a whole.”

For more information on these proposals and other economic growth bills, visit http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2019/02/ct-senate-republicans-outline-proposals-to-create-opportunities-for-growth/.