Sen. Hwang Responds to Reports That NY Gov. Cuomo is Courting GE

August 19, 2015

State Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28), who represents Fairfield as a part of his district, issued the following statement Aug. 18 in response to reports that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited Fairfield-based General Electric as part of an ongoing recruitment effort:

“Poor public policies have real life consequences. The situation playing out with GE is a prime example of that, and, unfortunately, Connecticut’s residents and businesses are the ones who will take the hit should GE leave. Let me be perfectly clear, GE is essential to the long term economic and community vitality of Fairfield and the State of Connecticut.”

“Our state budget and fiscal spending policies are, in essence, a contract with the businesses and residents of Connecticut. And when you have a Governor and Democrats in the legislature that have repeatedly rewritten the rules by implementing historic tax hikes, enacted new, economically destructive ones, and reneged on planned sunsets for others, it’s no surprise that our state’s employers large and small are looking for a better deal and greater stability. Who can blame them?”

“This is not about partisan politics, either. Gov. Cuomo, the Democrat Governor of neighboring New York, is but the latest among a growing list of governors courting GE. This is about business, bottom lines and economic growth and sustainability into the future. Unfortunately, Connecticut has been sending businesses and taxpayers the wrong message for far too long with its tax-and-spend ways. Despite what leading Democrats want you to believe, Republicans are not negative doomsday advocates. We are stating irrefutable facts of a struggling state economy and we are anxious to collaborate and change the current Connecticut culture of business and fiscal malaise to an energetic and dynamic one.”

“GE is a critical partner with Connecticut, both economically and in terms of its intrinsic value to our communities. GE provides tax revenue from employees that pay income, property and sales taxes as residents of Connecticut. GE employees give charitable contributions to our community non-profits and serve as volunteer leaders as trustees and board members. We cannot afford to lose them from Fairfield and Connecticut. As the company continues to explore its options, I hope that it will continue to engage in conversations with leaders here in Connecticut and factor in the unparalleled value of our great state’s quality of life.”

“Finally, the silver lining here, if there is one, is that more people are paying attention to and getting engaged in the political process, our state’s finances and our competitive rankings. An informed electorate is vital to the health of our democracy and I believe it will lead to a brighter future for Connecticut if we elect leaders who will make the difficult but necessary changes to how state government operates.”