Capitol Connection: Sparking Conversation – A Town Hall Tour

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The potential departure of GE from Connecticut has dominated headlines across the state.

Clearly, the result of such a huge employer moving out would be devastating.

What’s even worse is that GE is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our state’s growing economic problems and the ripple effect on our families, jobs and communities.

Just last week the owner of Borgeson Universal Steering Components in Torrington made it clear that he’s had enough of Connecticut’s high taxes too.

"I am not leaving Torrington," he told the Republican American about his company which currently employs 43 individuals, "I am leaving Connecticut." According to news reports, it’s not a matter of if, but when Borgeson will relocate to a more tax friendly state.

The reason behind these moves is that Connecticut’s economy has been struggling for some time, and the new state budget only worsens the situation.

The budget, crafted and passed by majority Democrats and the governor behind closed doors, implements a $40.2 billion two year plan containing $1.85 billion worth of tax hikes, the 2nd largest tax increase in state history following the largest hike implemented just four years ago.

Even with all the new tax revenue the state plans to squeeze out of residents, nonpartisan analysts are still projecting a major shortfall of $1.7 billion just two years from now, leaving Connecticut in debt for future generations.

Alongside these burdensome tax hikes, Connecticut continues to underperform gains made in other states. According to the US Commerce Department, our economic growth of 0.6% is far below the Northeast average of 1.6% and even further below the national average of 2.2%.

We all want to see a brighter future for Connecticut.

The first step to getting there is understanding exactly what our state policies are and how they impact all people. To gain that understanding, we need to keep the conversation going. We need to ask questions. We need to listen to others. We need to raise our voices.

This September I’m starting that conversation in our local communities. I’ll be hosting a town hall tour across my senate district, along with local state representatives, to open up the discussion, share some information, and invite questions from the public.

At these town halls, we’ll not only take a closer look at the final state budget, we’ll also talk about alternative budget ideas put forward in the Republican "Blueprint for Prosperity," other legislation that passed this year, and legislation that did not pass.

Please consider joining me at one of the following town hall meetings:

Norfolk/Colebrook/Hartland Region (with Rep. Jay Case)
Monday September 14 from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Colebrook Town Hall, Meeting Room (Second Floor,) 562 Colebrook Rd, Colebrook

Granby/Simsbury Region
Thursday September 17 from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Simsbury Public Library, Meeting Room 2, 725 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury

Avon/Canton/New Hartford Region (with Rep. Tim LeGeyt)
Tuesday September 22 from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Canton Community Center Multipurpose Room, 40 Dyer Ave, Canton

Additional Learning Opportunity
Torrington Region (short presentation during the regular Town Council meeting, open to the public, will follow the Town Council regular format)
Tuesday September 15 from 5:00pm-6:00pm
Torrington City Hall 140 Main Street, Torrington

There’s a ripple of questions running through Connecticut, and conversations are the best way to help us identify a new path to prosperity. I’ve felt the vibrations. I’ve seen the impact. And I know you have too.