A New Session, A New Legislature and A New Governor

January 13, 2011

Earlier this month, the General Assembly convened for the opening of the 2011 Legislative Session. On Inauguration Day, all members of the legislature were sworn into office along with Connecticut’s new Governor, Dannel Malloy. The swearing in of Governor Malloy marks a significant change in the road ahead for Connecticut.

Although our state moves forward with new leadership, our problems remain the same, and in many cases, have become more severe. Our most important task by far and away during these upcoming months will be to address our state’s fiscal health and to assure a strong and lasting recovery in the state economy.  We in the legislature need to act quickly and responsibly to eliminate the $7 billion deficit Connecticut will face during the next two fiscal years while crafting a new biennial state budget. 

Upon his swearing in, Governor Malloy addressed members of the General Assembly and the public outlining his priorities for the state of Connecticut over his four year term. Our new Governor was quick to acknowledge that we are dealing with a crisis of historic proportions and to declare that the state should take “The Road Not Taken,” using Robert Frost’s words, to illustrate his willingness to take unconventional approaches to restore state solvency. Governor Malloy spoke further about policies that would create more jobs, breakdown barriers that discourage new business, reduce the size of government and eliminate budgeting chicanery.

Indeed, Connecticut does need a new direction and cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. It is vital that the legislature resist the business as usual approach of spending more than the state can afford and avoid proposals that increase taxes on our already overly burdened state residents and businesses that are just now beginning to recover from the worst recession of our lifetimes. We should instead support legislation that stimulates growth and meaningfully expands the tax base for the benefit of all Connecticut residents.  We need to commit to the difficult but necessary decisions that genuinely and permanently reduce the size and cost of government in order to attract badly needed jobs and revenue necessary to sustain a healthy economy and a right-sized state government for the long-term. 

I look forward to working across the aisle as well as with my own caucus to meet the challenges our state faces, and it is my hope that Governor Malloy follows through on his commitment to fiscal responsibility. If we work together, we stand a good chance of coming out of this fiscal crisis stronger, more effective and more humane to those in need.

If you would like to share your thoughts about any issues or concerns, I welcome your feedback. As always, if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family, please contact my office at 800.842.1421 or [email protected].

Sincerely,
State Senator L. Scott Frantz

L. Scott Frantz
State Senator – 36th District