Governor Rell Calls for a Lean and Green Connecticut

Governor Rell spoke in front of the Legislature today to discuss her recommendation for the biennium budget for the FY 2010-2011 which was met with support. The Governor had a strong message through out the speech that called for less spending, less duplication, no tax increases and a leaner/smarter government. These are all great steps toward fixing the states economic issues.

Governor Rell stated that she wants to help municipalities and not cut funding which is vital to the well being of our cities and towns that feared the worst in the upcoming months. The word regionalism was used, not only to discuss the idea, but to actually put some recommendations into action by pooling resources and giving grants to towns that do so for equipment and other services. Another sigh of relief for our municipalities is a 2 year freeze on the unfunded in-school-suspension mandate which has a price tag of 2 million dollars to the City of Waterbury alone.

The Governor went on to talk about the loss of jobs in Connecticut being alarming and one of her main focuses will be getting people back to work, temporarily and permanently. Millions of dollars have been set aside in her budget to help with job training and development which is crucial in the next two years. Governor Rell spoke about bringing back the “CCC” (Civilian Conservation Corps) to Connecticut that was once used during the depression to provide employment and vocational training to the unemployed. Governor Rell’s version will be called “Connecticut Conservation Corps”.

The Governor declared that education is critical in a time like this and no funding cuts will be made. She went on to say that she will focus on the “middle college” system by getting community colleges and vocational school working together. This will allow young adults in high school to earn college credits.

Lastly, the business community and economic development is a top priority. Governor Rell stated that Connecticut needs to be competitive on a national level but more importantly in the northeast. Our neighboring states are looking at business tax increases to close the gaps in their budgets and if we can hold the line and stay where we are today we will be much more competitive for the future. This is all a relief but time will tell.