What Economic Record?

The 2012 Presidential race is interesting. On the one hand we have the media daily condemning anything the Republican candidates state. They unfortunately are running against both the biased media and an economically incompetent Administration. I am still confused as to how the President is actually running for reelection? On what type of record? He steamrolls a socialized health care plan that no one understands as to how it operates or its costs. He has added over $3 trillion dollars to the national debt. His economic stimulus programs have done nothing to actually create jobs or long term growth. He has helped to pass massive amounts of regulations and laws on all aspects of the economy and our personal lives. He has no transparency in his Administration just political rhetoric. It really has grown stale and continues to distort and hurt our economy.
Thus I am confused as the record that the President is running for reelection on. What he has done is actually good for our country? Or has he brought our country back years in economic regression and recession? In my economic opinion it is the later. He does not deserve a second term nor can he win. The American voter has become tired of this failed Administration and its rhetoric. His one term can not be over soon enough for our country.

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Merry Christmas to all of my readers. Happy Hanukkah to all of my readers.

All I want for Christmas is...
Free enterprise economics to be allowed to work again.
Free market systems to be allowed to work again.
An end to overreach by the Federal government.
An end to one party rule in Hartford.
Connecticut tax cuts and a real balanced state budget.
A presidential candidate who has an actual plan to pay of the National Debt.
An unbiased media.
National term limits for the US House and Senate.
Freedom for countries under the rule of dictators such as Cuba and North Korea to mention just a few.
Respect for the members of our military at all times in peace and war.

Merry Christmas and to all a good night...

Wait A Minute Who Has Been In Power In Hartford For Years?

President Malloy. I guess it is coming, maybe Senator first. I have been following with great interest State GOP Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. questioning of our traveling Governors appointment as Finance Chairmen of the Democratic Governors Committee. I also question how much actual economic/finance knowledge Mr. Malloy has in regards to his running our state. First he passes the highest tax increase in the state's history. Obviously proud of that he makes the state income tax increase retroactive to January 1 of this year although few if any in the state tax department can actually figure out how much more one needs to pay to make sure one is in compliance with it. Now the state through the highest tax increase in our state's history is running a $100 million budget surplus through this over taxation since there is little if any economic recovery taking place in the state. Then the state Democratic Party's spokeswoman, Jacie Falkowski, states in the Hartford Courant, "he (Labriola Jr)should really look at his party’s dismal record on job creation, budgeting and leadership first." I thought the Democrats have been in control of State House and State Senate for how many years now presiding over a now record twenty years of economic recession and poor government. They have been in charge dismantling our state economy on a daily basis for many years now. What's the state's unemployment rate and is the unemployment fund solvent yet or must businesses keep paying the additional payroll tax fees to pay off the loans of this fund?
And the Democrats keep picking on former disgraced Governor Rowland's job as a talk show host. Well what about Eliot Spitzer's former job on CNN or how about the Reverend Al Sharpton's talk show job? Those jobs are fine but I guess but not Rowland's position.
Thus more of the same here in Corrupticut.
The Malloy Administration must keep up the talk of their path of socialistic progress of high taxes, more governmental spending and nepotism. The State GOP Chairman must keep up the resistance movement. I will choose to keep up with my feet and eventually leave this quagmire of a state.


“

The MF Global Debacle

Hushed away in the news is the economic debacle of a former Democratic Senator and Governor and his running of MF Global Investments. MF Global for those who do not know its complexities and operations is a cash and derivatives broker-dealer, that delivers access to the world's financial markets in several different ways. For example, some agricultural businesses use firms like MF Global to help reduce their risks and volatility in oil, corn and other commodity prices/markets. They hedge their monies in other words to reduce risks in these markets.
However $1.2 billion of many customers monies is missing. Jon Corzine the former Democratic Senator and Governor who is also the former CEO of this company made a foolish risk and bet on the ongoing European debt crisis and lost. And he does not know where the missing money is. Sounds unbelievable?
Enter now the spin control factor of Mr. Corzine political connections with his being called to testify in front of some Congressional committees. And also enter now the media spin control to protect yet another Obama crony and his highly irrational economic decisions. Why Mr. Corzine bet on the Euro crisis makes no economic sense or logic to me. Why this risk was kept off the financial records of MF Global also makes no economic sense to me. How is this legal? How with all the new financial legislation and laws that this Administration has passed could this have happened? Is it possible that Mr. Corzine is above the law due to his political connections?
And lastly what about those farmers throughout our country who are trying to find out where their monies are? I wonder if they will vote Democratic in 2012?
This new financial company debacle is more of the same, more economic greed and more taxpayers bailouts of those who are politically connected.

Corrupticut

Connecticut no I mean Corrupticut. Values and ethics? In our state?
Now the onslaught of false claims for the Hurricane aid will become political media fodder. Claims and counter claims, investigations and inquiries. Defense and offensive tactics being developed. How could some Connecticut state employees file false claims? And were all the people who applied for this aid really qualified for it? Or was this program another governmental sham and waste of taxpayers monies? I am thankful that State Senator Joseph Markley, a Republican from Southington asked for the investigation of these aid claims.
And the next result of this latest case of outright governmental fraud is? Not much. We are still one of the highest taxed states in the country being overtaxed now to show a surplus. And our over taxation helps to create the entitlement mentality of Corrupticut. Entitlements done both legally and illegally as we are seeing from this new fraud case. Entitlements of our elected officials seeking only their own self interest not the interests of those who they supposedly represent.
Corrupticut. Fraud. Entitlements. Waste.
Just more of the same with new faces in Hartford.

Redistrict, How About Balance and A Real Two Party System For Connecticut?

I vaguely remember a two party system in Connecticut. Many years ago. When there was an actual two party system representing taxpayers and voters here in Connecticut.
Those days are long gone with one party rule by the Democrats at a state and national level here in Connecticut. And we can see the results in our state with a poorly run and bloated state government along with a group of up and coming non productive, economically illiterate, millionaires representing us in Congress.
Thus the debate now shifts to preserving this one party rule by the redistricting maps being shown to a skeptical public. I am skeptical as why would the Democrats give up a chance to continue one party rule and be able to anoint the next Congressional millionaire/billionaire to represent themselves and their special interests which have given them power (like Chris Donovan). The voter and taxpayer are left out of this decision on who represents them. We really do not have any representation on a state or national level in Connecticut and redistricting again proves it.
Again more and more businesses and taxpayers will vote with their feet and leave the one party dictatorship called Connecticut. Redistricting is just another example of the total lack of respect shown to the voters of Connecticut.

Poor State Government

Do we have good state government? Do we have one of the highest tax rates in the country? Do we have one of the highest electric rates in the country? Do we have a poor road system in the state which can not be fixed due to a lack of funds? Do we have one of the highest workers compensation rates in the country? Do we have one of the highest unemployment payment taxes in the country for employers? Do we have one of the highest levels of corporate welfarism in the country? Do we have one of the highest unfunded liabilities for pensions in the country?
At what point do we state as taxpayers we have had enough?
At what point do we state as taxpayers that we have a poor government in Hartford? And that nothing can be done about it?

Poor state government that is Connecticut. 2012 can not come soon enough.

Occupy A Job! And Other Thoughts

Some random thoughts:
How about occupying a job and being productive in life?
How about the rights of taxpayers?
How about a massive cut in federal spending and no tax increases?
How about the taxpayers who pay to use I-84 Entrance Ramp and were not allowed to use it yesterday-they do not have rights?
How about the irony in the Mayor of New Britain wife being arrested at the I-84 protest?
How about the irony in the high property taxes in New Britain?
How about letting Wallingford elected officials govern rather than being forced to go to referendum on anything to do with the downtown area?
How about letting the free market system work in our economy?
How about basic economics classes be required of all elected officials at all levels of government?
How about state leaders actually staying in the state and governing?
How about unfunded pension liability reform?
How about a balanced budget according GAP?
How about economic freedom?

Why I Do Not Support The Referendum and Will Vote No

I do not support the referendum on the Simpson Court Parking Area and I am going to vote No on Monday.
Wallingford is a beautiful town especially its downtown area. Many citizens in town believe it or not, use the parking area in front and behind the businesses in this area. I personally park in front when there is a spot and do my banking business and then cross the street to go to the Post Office. It is easy, convenient and saves me time. I foresee all of that being gone if this does not pass as the parking lot will only be for those businesses there. Thus I get to waste more time.
Another point is that the lease agreement has been in effect for 50 years now. I personally would not want strangers parking at my house or business and leaving their cars in my lot. The owners of this area have been helping the town in area business and municipal government parking for years. Why must it change now? Because the town wants to improve the area? The same argument can be made when the town offers a tax break for a business moving here in town? What is the difference? Why aren't the self appointed financial police investigating each one of these deals? Because they benefit Wallingford that's why.
However this parking area is great political fodder and recognition especially after Tuesday's election results for the Democrats. And they are wrong in their arguments-they do not make sense to me economically.
Also I do not see as the cure-all the old Wooding area as a municipal lot. This should be used to create the expansion needed for the Police Department which would eventually incorporate more public parking. As such that is down the road and it is an area which realistically is two to five blocks down from where people wish to be in the downtown area. That will cost money also.
Sometimes money needs to be spent. In this case it is money well spent which helps the local economy and local businesses. All of Wallingford and all of Wallingford's downtown merchants benefit from this paving. If Wallingford's downtown merchants are prosperous then more jobs are created and more tax revenue is created. It is a win-win situation for both private business and local government. Why this has become an issue is beyond me.
One final point-as I watched the local Public TV show created by anti paving self appointed spokesmen I was confused by their thoughts and arguments. What lower Quinnipiac Street has to do with the paved downtown area is beyond me? Do they want us to park down there and walk up ten blocks? If it is so littered, with the time they spent creating this show they could have picked up all of the litter and done something actually productive for once rather than costing taxpayers monies once again with this referendum. Actions do speak louder than empty words.
I do not support the referendum on the Simpson Court Parking Area and I am going to vote No on Monday. I hope you vote No also.

Vote Today. And Vote Republican.

Vote today. Yes go out and vote. Whether you are live in Wallingford or any other town here in Connecticut, vote today. It is your constitutional responsibility. Democracy can only be achieved when voters actually go out and vote. Not just 40% but 100% of those who are registered need to go out and vote.

Wallingford voters have an exceptionally strong slate of Republican candidates to vote for especially Tom Laffin, Vincent Cervoni, Craig Fishbein, Tom Marrone, Tanya Bachand and the rest of the Republican slate. And Mayor Dickinson deserves your vote for another term.

Remember vote today, don't be a spectator in our democracy.

$72 Billion Dollars and Counting...

Hey what's $72 billion dollars plus and counting? If you are a taxpayer that is how much you have given collectively to the Federally run Freddie Mac mortgage company. Of that $72 billion, approximately $14.9 billion has been paid back. Of the remaining $57 billion that is owed, in my economic opinion I doubt seriously if it will ever be paid back. And we are not even counting how much Fannie Mae has stolen from taxpayers.
So-hey what's $59 billion and counting when it comes to taxpayers monies. Washington realizes that those taxpayers (like myself) who actually pay federal taxes (along with state and local taxes) have unlimited sources of income to pay for these types of corporate welfare bailouts. And to continue to pay we shall so long as this economically inept administration is in office.
The mortgage market needs to clear out once and for all. Those who can not afford their homes need to move out of them, bad mortgage debt needs to be written off and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not deserve one more cent of taxpayers monies. They both need to be privatized. Once and for all clean up the mortgage debt market.

Another Couple Million Dollars. Who Is Counting?

Hey what is another couple million dollars of clean up, lost work, lost production and damage to Connecticut?
We just had a hurricane two months ago which cost the state millions upon millions of dollars. Now we have a northeaster cause more damage to the tune of millions upon millions of dollars.
We hear that CL&P will raise rates if they must trim trees more often than in a five year cycle. My economic question to CL&P (and no I do not have them here in Wallingford thankfully) is why are you in business if you can not maintain your wires and are ill equipped to handle a crisis or two?
And why is Governor Malloy underwhelmed with the lack of response by outside entities? Are they responsible for the storm and the lack of preparedness by both his Admninistration and CL&P? Anyone know what self sufficiency means? Anyone know how to prepare for an emergency by trimming trees and investing in underground utilities? We have plenty of money to waste for the one party rule special interests in Hartford but we have no money for what is really needed in our state which is investment in our infrastructure so consumers in winter do not to wait days on end for something as simple as electricity. Are we a third world nation?
The priorities do not exist in Connecticut-Hartford's one party rule is the priority of political expediency, nepotism and special interest lobbying. Not something as stupid as electricity and infrastructure.
But then again what is another couple of million dollars anyways?

How About "Taxpayers Awareness Day" Rather Than Diapers?

How about it Mr. Malloy and Ms. DeLauro-"Taxpayers Awareness Day" rather than "Diaper Awareness Day". In a state with still a massive budget deficit along with massive amounts of unfunded liabilities what are we not having a "Taxpayers Awareness Day"? Why isn't the current regime in Hartford educating taxpayers as to the massive amounts of tax monies that are being spent on cronyism and corporate welfare? Why are taxpayers not being told the real truth about the waste of taxpayer's monies going to program after program of the micromanagement of our businesses and our lives in this state? Why are taxpayers going to be forced to pay for diapers? I do not remember anyone paying for my daughter's diapers back in 1988, thus why I should pay for another person's today?
Why?
Ultra liberalism as exhibited by these two paid professional politicians continues to fail our state and our country on a daily basis continuing the economic downward spiral we have. We can only continue to fail economically when taxpayers must pay for diapers for liberalism. We truly have a socialist state lost in progressiveness to achieve a false Utopian society in which a ruling elite like the current one party rule dictates to us what we can and can not have. And we continue to lose taxpayers in our state as more socialism like this is forced down our throats.
"Taxpayers Awareness Day" How about today?

Dickinson For Mayor Again In Wallingford

I love Wallingford. I do not like Connecticut much any more with its progressive one party ultra liberal ruling elite in Hartford. Wallingford however, is a community that its citizens are proud of. It is a town that many people want to move to because of its strong school system, low taxes, low electric rates, close location to both Hartford and New Haven, many stores and businesses. It is a community where we have seen a steady positive course continue through the administration of Mayor Bill Dickinson. I believe that the Mayor who has been in office for many, many years now has led Wallingford by example always putting the town's needs first over self glorification and personal gain. He lacks an ego which so apparent with our new Governor for life.
In this election we have the same cries of a lack of progressiveness and the downtown parking lot crisis. It to me is more of the same debates which do not lead to any positives for the community.
This election a vote for Mayor Bill Dickinson and the Republican candidates for Town Council and Board of Education will continue the path of progress for our great town, Wallingford.

$290 million taxpayer's monies = 300 Jobs - Have You Checked How Much More You Are Paying In Additional State Taxes?

Let me try to understand more fully the Jackson Labs welfare deal with the state of Connecticut. Jackson Labs are supposedly going to raise $800 million from other sources (there will be apparently taxpayers monies coming from federal sources) and the state will subsidize them with an additional $290 million of taxpayers monies to have them move here. 300 jobs will supposedly be created from this. Apparently also these same 300 jobs will create trickle down economic growth from homes being bought, more children to be educated in taxpayer funded public schools, more groceries being sold at the local Big Y, etc.
But what will be the actual economic reality? It will take a great deal of time for the facility to be built. The facility will have cost overruns as what normally happens in deals like this. The company can not guarantee that economic issues will arise in the future and thus they shut down as has happened in prior deals that the state has agreed upon.
The costs of corporate welfare are enormous in our economy. The state could have pursued for years a business friendly environment with low taxes, low electric rates, low workers compensation costs, a functional transportation system and a normal non combative, non anti business Attorney General. Businesses would have wanted to locate in Connecticut. Instead we have had a severe anti business climate in our state since the Weicker Administration.
$290 million dollars of taxpayers monies can be better spent. I agree with Senator Suzio, stop this plan. Start forgiving state taxpayers who must burden this ridiculous corporate welfare system.

Tanya Bachand For Wallingford Board Of Education

Another Republican candidate for the Wallingford Board of Education that stands out this election is newcomer Tanya Bachand. Ms. Bachand is fiscally conservative and is interested in bettering our education system.

From the Wallingford GOP website http://www.wallingfordgop.com/bachand.html
"I am looking forward to serving on the Board of Education. I bring a conservative outlook and a strength in long term strategic financial planning. With the right fiscal management, Wallingford can strengthen and amplify the education of our children, while maintaining a fiscal discipline that respects the taxpayer. I'm excited to bring the taxpayer back to the education conversation."

She is for education and deserves your vote in November. I know she has our vote.

Michael Brooder For Wallingford Board Of Education

I am voting to help re-elect Michael Brooder to the Wallingford Board of Education. Michael has a child in Rock Hill School and is active in our community. He also believes in a strong educational curriculum which address our economy's needs.
From the www.wallingfordgop.com website
“As a father of a Rock Hill School student, I understand the need for a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for the 21st century. I firmly believe we must create a learning environment that assures educational opportunities for our students. I have been a longtime supporter of quality education. Drawing from my experience as a Certified Public Accountant and current community involvement, I will focus on fiscal responsibility and leadership for educational excellence for Wallingford.

“I look forward to serving the youth of Wallingford, their parents and the town’s citizens and take on this opportunity with vigor and enthusiasm. I am eager to take on this challenge and confident that with hard work and determination I can make a difference.”
I urge you to vote for Michael Brooder for Wallingford Board of Education.

Christine Mansfield For Wallingford Board Of Education

Christine Mansfield is a newcomer to the Wallingford Republican Board of Education ticket. However she is an active part of Wallingford in many ways. She is an articulate and caring candidate for this position in my opinion.
From her website: http://christinemansfield.com/

As a wife, mother of three, Wallingford business owner, Chamber member and active community volunteer, Christine is thrilled to accept the Republican Committee endorsement to run for the Board of Education.

Christine asks for your vote to build the best education system in partnership with our parents, our teachers, our taxpayers and business community. Every child deserves this great freedom of education and the opportunity to achieve and learn. Every teacher deserves the resources to bring 21st century and fundamental skills to the classroom. Every taxpayer deserves School Board members with decision making, budget decisioning and partnership experience to spend each dollar efficiently and wisely.

These uncertain times challenge candidates to make solid decisions based on experience, but with plans for the future. Your vote for Christine Mansfield is a vote for experience and leadership. Your vote is a vote for a Villanova University and MBA graduate with a track record of bringing people together from all parties to make fiscally sound decisions. Your vote is for a mother of three children, passionate and involved in supporting this great school system. Your vote is a vote for a business owner, committed to children and education, the work she has performed and been acknowledged by several respectable organizations:

* Experienced decision maker on Quinnipiac Chamber Board of Directors, Holy Trinity School Chairwoman of the School Board and Wallingford School District Strategic Planning Committee
* Legislative advocate in Hartford for pro business, pro job legislation as Co-Chairwoman of the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee
* Active supporter at Dag, Moran, Sheehan and Lyman Hall as speaker at Career Fairs and keynote for the Lyman Hall School to Career Awards Dinner

* Strategic Leader in Community youth projects pm Wallingford School District's School to Career Board and Wallingford Community Theatre

We are voting for Christine Mansfield for Wallingford Board of Education and hope that you also vote for her too.

Joe Marrone For Wallingford Board Of Education

I am using one of my votes to help re-elect Joe Marrone to the Wallingford Board of Education. I recently talked to Joe at the Celebrate Wallingford festival this past Saturday on his reelection campaign. Mr. Marrone has done an excellent job in my opinion in his first term on the Board.

From his website:http://votejoemarrone.com/issues.html
Value

Education accounts for more than two-thirds of our town budget. We need to make sure that we are providing the highest quality of education to our children while providing the best value for our taxpayers.

Accountability

Our school system needs to be held accountable to our customers (our students, their parents, and the taxpayers that make it all possible) for delivering a results-based education.

Parental Involvement

Involved parents can do more for the education of a child than any school program. To that end, our school system needs to do as much as it can to foster the cooperation of parents, teachers and the school administration.

Vocational / Life Skills

Not every student is college bound. Students should be exposed to as many types of vocational skills as we can reasonably provide so that students that are not on an academic path can still succeed in life.

Bullying

We need to be ever vigilant and aggressive at combating bullying in our schools. Students can't learn if they are anxious or fearful of their classmates.
Academic Rigor and Fidelity of Instruction

We need to ensure that every student gets the same challenging, high quality education regardless of which school they attend or what teacher delivers the instruction.
I urge Wallingford voters to re-elect Republican Joe Marrone to the Board of Education.

Craig Fishbein For Wallingford Town Council

Research on town issues is critical to any Town Councilor's success. Republican Craig Fishbein in my opinion does a great deal of research on the issues that confront the Wallingford Town Council. In his first term on the Council, Mr. Fishbein has been prepared and well informed. I like that in someone that represents our town.

I recently had an opportunity to talk to him with regards to the 2011 election. He stated: "I believe that it is not the government’s responsibility to give us handouts or to tell us what to do. It is not the government's place to regulate and/or to tax us to death. As a member of the Wallingford Town Council, I will strive for smaller government, low taxes, and less interference in the day-to-day affairs of our law-abiding citizens."

Mr. Fishbein has been a strong member of the Council and does an excellent job in analyzing what comes in front of the Council. I believe he would do another great job in his second term representing Wallingford.
He has my vote for another term.

Vincent Cervoni For Wallingford Town Council

Another strong candidate from the Wallingford Republican party that is running for re-election to the Town Council this election is Vincent Cervoni. I had an opportunity to talk to him a few weeks back about his campaign and views for the upcoming election.
When discussing his first term on the Council, Cervoni stated:
"As I come to the completion of my first term on the Wallingford Town Council, I'm proud to have been part of an administration which has achieved a bond rating of Aaa. This speaks to the pattern of fiscal responsibility commenced by Mayor Dickinson and which has carried through recent years."
"While I do believe that Wallingford is a great place to live for people from all walks of life, I would like to see an improvement in the appearance of our downtown district, our uptown area, and the Route 5 corridor. It is my hope that I will be given another term on the Council to work toward these objectives."

Cervoni has been in my opinion a strong and effective Council member in his first term, he is articulate and offers a great deal of insight on many issues that come forward to the Council. He deserves a second term.
Mr. Cervoni has my vote this November.

Tom Laffin For Wallingford Town Council

I like Tom Laffin. I am going to vote for him as one of my votes for Wallingford Town Council. Tom served on the Wallingford Board of Education and is well aware of the issues going on in town. Tom would bring to the Council a common sense approach to fiscal management of our town along with a business oriented focus. Tom was articulate when he was on the Board of Education on all issues he faced. He is a life long resident of Wallingford and to me is greatly qualified to serve our community with his education and business experience.

From his website www.voteinlaffin.com
My Plan for the Continuation of Successful Principles and Practices for a Prosperous Community
A Vibrant Downtown:

I want a strong, healthy downtown. I want to make it easy and convenient for people to go, shop, dine, enjoy friends and show off their town.
A Solid Education:

Wallingford is highly respected for its education system by other towns and its administrators. After serving on the Board of Education for four years, and working along side of Superintendent Dr. Menzo and our team of teachers and administrators, I understand the needs of our children and how to balance those needs to work well with the general government.
Reliable Utilities:

I'll work to make sure the Mayor and the Public Utilities Commission have the resources and flexibility they need to continue the success we have benefited from. Our town boasts one of the strongest and most reliable electric companies on the east coast. Our water and sewer departments provide inexpensive and unfailing services that are the envy of our friends from other neighboring towns.
Fiscal Responsibility:

Budgeting to make sure our reach does not exceed our grasp, Wallingford has maintained it's strong AAA bond rating while continuing to grow within our means. By working to foster the town's self-sufficient nature and lack of strong dependence on the state for funds allows us to direct our own future.

Tom Laffin, the right choice for one your votes for Wallingford's Town Council
I know Tom has my vote this November.

Trying To Understand Higher Taxes But Can't

As an economist I continue to try to understand politicians most favorite phrase and term-"Higher Taxes". I no longer understand what this term means as it relates to government and its' spending. Higher taxes seems to mean that taxpayers have an unlimited amount of income that they must pay to government at all levels, local, state and federal.
Taxpayers must accept these poor economic decisions that are made by our elected officials and thus pay these higher taxes to continue to support an inefficient and bloated government. Politicians remain unchecked in their economic power grab of taxpayers' income and wealth. Then this money is redistributed in some ways to an elite few for their own economic gain. Higher taxes strips economic growth out of our economy.
Higher taxes does little to help government control spending and or pay down debts as has been see through the bloated Democratic state budget enacted. A massive tax increase (higher taxes) has done little to help our state economy nor is it addressing the massive unfunded pension liabilities of the future.
So I do not understand higher taxes. Nor do we have any plans for addressing our national debt, addressing our massive Connecticut unfunded long term debt or resolving massive unemployment. We have more of the same rhetoric-higher taxes, over and over again-ad infinitum (to infinity).

Hey Whats $13 Million? Taiwan Is Nice This Time Of The Year

Hey who cares about $13 million in pension funds? Especially when state pension unfunded liabilities are anywhere from $10 to $15 billion depending on who you believe. So what is the big deal about the State Treasurer trying to figure out a way to get that $13 million out of Taiwan? Heck I do not understand why the Democratic party and the state media isn't applauding her for making that kind of money on the pension funds. Why are they not giving her a raise? Or maybe a new car with new plates and registration? Why shouldn't taxpayers pay for that?

I mean $13 million can go a long way to paying down that $10 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. What is that about a 1/2% of it? I mean I know somewhere the Democrats have a plan for paying it off like raising more of our taxes or some other economic scheme. Just like the plan for rebidding almost $1,000,000 in banking contracts which have not been rebid in ten years.
Oh well-what's money when it is not yours and you do not have to be accountable for it? Anybody see $13 million?

How Many More Disincentives To Work In Our Economy?

How many more disincentives will this administration come up with to make working for a living a thing of the past? 99 weeks and counting for unemployment benefits. A special unemployment tax levied on all businesses in Connecticut who pay into the unemployment fund due to it being broke. Massive taxpayer funded stimulus packages for the past three years and the net result is even higher national debt and higher unemployment rates. We now can argue that there too many disincentives to actually go out and find a job. These disincentives further erode any hope for economic expansion and growth in our economy.
In my economic opinion due to the anti business atmosphere that the Obama Administration has and its anti free market theories, many businesses will not hire new workers in a period of economic uncertainty. Businesses are fearful of massive new labor laws and economic regulations which continue to hinder our economy in the long run. Thus, no new jobs.
Maybe new jobs will be found in 2013 with a change in Presidents. It can't happen soon enough.

Wow-More Economic Misery Again By This Administration

Let me try to understand this new economic logic, we are now going to raise taxes to pay for more jobs? What kind of jobs escapes me as the recent Obama jobs campaign speech promises more of the same economic misery that we have seen since January 2009. Again by raising taxes on millionaires who earn $200,000 a year, what is being accomplished economically? Another transfer of wealth? Another penalization of the creation of wealth in our economy except for those who have donated to Democratic candidates (i.e. General Electric, Warren Buffet)? Thus more of the same economic plan. Transfer wealth from those who have earned it through higher and greater taxes.
And no jobs will ultimately be created. After three years of failed economic policies would it make sense that the free market system be once again allowed to function without chronic governmental interference?
No, instead we will have more economic misery. More of the same failed economic policies.

More Failed Keynesian Policies - More Of The Same

Well Mr. Obama's speech was filled with more of the same, more governmental spending and more failed governmental micromanagement of our economy. What a pompous campaign speech by an individual whose one term Presidency is fading very rapidly into oblivion. Not to shock the President and his economic advisers but they must realize that the current gap between gross domestic product and potential gross domestic product is about $1.3 trillion. That is a substantial amount of money which this new and recycled jobs plan does little to address in the long run. Actually from an economics perspective I see no mention of this at all.
Naturally he also called for higher taxes on those who pay the most in taxes already, I had mentioned in a previous column that Warren Buffet and his buddies can contribute to the national debt.
The mortgage market also must clear itself finally and not continue to be propped up by individuals who economically can no longer afford their homes. The new plan does more of the same which will still not address the excessive amount of toxic mortgage debt in our economy. Which forces the continuing problems in this area of our economy.
My economic advise is simple, Congress do not pass this debacle of a campaign/jobs bill. Let the free market system clear itself of the economically inept government programs that have burdened the markets for too long. Allow free market incentives to increase production of goods and services which allow for the creation of new jobs for those 18% who are unemployed. Keynesian economics does not work and has never worked in our economy, not in 1933 nor in 2011.

More Speeches = Less Jobs

Let me see, tonight we will hear how the Republicans are at fault for the economy and in particular the lack of jobs in our economy. We will hear that this President inherited this mess and that a mere $2 trillion dollars in debt later, he needs yet another stimulus program to get Americans working. And/or maybe an extension of unemployment benefits to 3 years or may be your entire lifetime until you can retire on Social Security at 62. We will see liberal news commentators spin his words to biblical proportions. And then maybe a majority of Americans who work and pay taxes at all levels of government will finally see how unprepared and unqualified Mr. Obama is to be the President of the United States of America.
The campaign for President is in full swing, we really need someone who understands the free market system and economics to become our new President. Millions upon millions of Americans have had enough of the lackadaisical on the job training that goes on in the White House with this Administration especially with poor economic policies that have damaged our economy.
More speeches and still even fewer jobs on the horizon. One term and done economically.

The Local Election Is Near-Here Comes The Misinformation

Yes for Wallingford voters the local election is near-here comes the misinformation. We will hear the usual denunciation of the Republican Council members and the Dickinson Administration. We will hear the misinformation about the paving of the parking lot at Simpson Court. It would be interesting to see if anyone remembers when John Thompson appeared before the Town Council with the plans for this repaving (as is provided by the lease which the town has had since 1961 for this area) and why there was no objections to it at that time. But now we can view the election fodder of why this area must not be paved to benefit the town and the downtown area. And the fight for the referendum for this will amount to a great waste of taxpayers monies for it. And what is the purpose of this? Is it really saving taxpayers monies? In my economic opinion, it is not saving the $500,000 that is going to be spent to improve this area nor does Simpson Court owners need to accommodate Town Parking either if the lease is voided.
Thus in the 2011 election we will have more of the same, misinformation.
Democracy has always been served well by those who question what needs to be questioned. Democracy does not function when it is degraded to the constant turmoil of misinformation by a chosen few who claim knowledge in all areas called local government.

Labor Day Economics

Happy Labor Day. How many people are working today? What is the real rate on unemployment? 18% with those off the unemployment compensation roles due to their 99 weeks benefits ending? How many jobs have been permanently lost in our economy since 2008? How many jobs will either be lost or gained from our recent hurricane? How much does federal government interference and regulations cost in actual new job creation? How can new job creation occur with chronic government overreach in the labor market? How many more failed jobs plans can the Obama Administration create? Why are Unions given their current salary and pension structures which are in the case of Connecticut still not addressing long term unfunded liabilities? Why can't the free market system allow for the creation of new jobs without governmental subsidies paid for by taxpayers? Why is Connecticut's unemployment fund broke?
Happy Labor Day-hopefully you have a job as do many, many politicians and governmental workers at all three levels of government have. If you don't have a job...well...

More Poor Economic News

Taking a break from the 24/7 hysteria of Tropical Storm Irene, we need to examine more poor economic news coming from Connecticut and our nation.
From Connecticut I envision many taxpayers not fully understanding the new higher retroactive tax rates coming out of our one party rule in Hartford and ending up owing much more in state income taxes come filing time. Trying to understand the retroactive part of this rate is nearly impossible if one was to read the Department of Revenue Services website. Maybe it could be explained in plain English for a change.
Also from Connecticut the obvious costs of the storm will be enormous, the losses will be staggering and forthcoming will be increases for all for their property insurance whether or not a claim has been filed or not.
On a National level, not even mentioning the still out-of-control National Debt, is the now downward revision of economic growth to less than 1% for the last quarter. For any economy to expand its needs strong economic growth which our country does not have now. Couple this with a real unemployment rate of 18+% and you spell recession/depression for the remainder of this year and next. Economic gloom is here and will remain with the economically irrational policies of the Obama Administration. Mercifully I can truly see a new President being elected come November.
More poor economic news, more to come.

Why Not Write The Check Warren?

Why not write it? I continue to be amazed at Warren Buffet and his demand to pay more taxes. His $6,938,744 that he paid last year in Federal taxes apparently was not enough. Why not write the check then Mr. Buffet? There is a way for any taxpayer to pay more in taxes to our spendthrift Federal government. Way back in 1843, an account was formed so that citizens could give gifts to the government including money.
From the US Treasury Website:
Gift Contributions to Reduce Debt Held by the Public

The Bureau of the Public Debt may accept gifts donated to the United States Government to reduce debt held by the public. Acting for the Secretary of the Treasury, Public Debt may accept a gift of:

Money, made only on the condition that it be used to reduce debt held by the public.
An outstanding government obligation, made only on the condition that the obligation be retired and the redemption proceeds used to reduce debt held by the public.
Other intangible personal property made only on the condition that the property is sold and the proceeds from the sale used to reduce the public debt.
Gifts to reduce debt held by the public may be inter vivos gifts or testamentary bequests.

Thus in Fiscal Year 2011 $2,035,349.94 has been given so far. With a $14.5 trillion dollar debt it helps buy our government a few more seconds of deficit spending.

So again I ask why can't Mr. Buffet and his liberal friends put their money where their mouths are? Send your billions to pay off the national debt. Your illogical economic arguments about higher taxes leave a great deal to be desired. Higher taxes on people who earn $250,000 and more are stale and do little to help our economy or economic growth. Those are income earners who are paying the bulk in taxes, not you Mr. Buffet and your liberal rich friends. Maybe Congress could pass a Buffet tax. A tax to bring your tax rate to lets say 90%? Or how about 100%? If that were to happen watch the outcry by these same liberal rich folks-how dare you take our hard earned income! But it is acceptable to tax our $250,000 millionaires in our economy?
Just write the check.

The Tea Party-Alive and Well

Liberals and Democrats seem to strongly dislike the Tea Party movement. Why? The Tea Party movement in my economic opinion is long overdue. It is a grassroots movement which has a simplistic and long overlooked economic premise. You can only spend as a government what you have and no more. Deficits and debt compromise the economic well being, economic growth, jobs and interest rates of any economy. The out-of-control spending and debt crisis of the Obama Administration has helped fuel this resistance movement for our economy. It is not radical nor does it vote in Congress. It is an economic movement which has been long overdue in our economy.
Taxpayers are fed up with the waste and fraud of our government's spending and lack of checks and balances when it comes to deficits and debt. The Tea Party movement addresses these concerns. And the truth hurts both sides of the political aisle. And the truth especially hurts a liberal and biased media in our economy.
The Tea Party is here to stay no matter what a biased poll states. The Tea Party movement is the only remaining check to balance out-of-control governmental deficits and debt. The Tea Party movements strength is only beginning to show and it will grow even more so with the upcoming Presidential election. Yes, liberals the Tea Party is here to stay.

Debt and More Debt

And the debt continues. Congress and the President choose to avoid economic reality with the new/old debt ceiling lie. We can see no meaningful reductions in federal spending nor any economic efficiencies taking place with this new deal.
And the blame is everywhere depending on whose side you take. However in my economic opinion to blame the Tea Party movement is illogical and irrational. Our government can not sustain uncontrollable spending in which the bulk of the money they are spending is just paying interest on the national debt itself. It is totally non productive. The Tea Party movement has brought this issue of uncontrollable spending out in the open for all to see and for all to be upset by. Look at the money middle income taxpayers are spending to support this economic debacle. General Electric is not paying these taxes, nor is Warren Buffet. I have never heard General Electric, Bill Gates or Warren Buffet offering to give the government a few billion to pay down the national debt. Middle income taxpayers are paying it. You are not rich if you earn $200,000 a year nor should have to make up for what these companies and individuals are not paying in taxes.
And the debt continues ad infintum (Latin: to infinity-if there is still one).

What Plan?

Why don't the Democrats and the media understand that Mr. Obama has no plan to resolve either deficit spending or the national debt? Because if he had a plan of any sort economically he may have mentioned what it actually was. He has been in office over 2 1/2 years now-where is the plan? What is the plan? What is the problem?
And why is the blame on the Republicans in the House? They are trying to balance the budget and reduce the deficit. The Senate Democrats still have yet to develop a budget in 800+ days now. Is that right and justified? Or is that an abuse of their power and an insult to the taxpayers of America?
Thus its politics as usual and I place the blame for this debt crisis solely upon the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats. There is absolutely no economic leadership from the Democrat party. None.
Come now-what is the plan?

More Taxes And Spending, More Democratic Rhetoric

Well, we have more taxes and more spending by the transparent Malloy Administration. We have been given shared sacrifice if you work for a living and pay taxes here in Connecticut. Malloy has given us more taxes and more state spending. Malloy has given us absolutely no reform on state salaries, benefits or long term pension obligations. Malloy and his legislature have given us more of the same rhetoric we have heard for the past twenty years, more taxes and more state spending will solve all of our state's problems.
When in economic reality all we have is more of the same. We are one of the top three taxed states in the country. We have unfunded liabilities of $100 billion dollars and counting. We have negative job growth. How does higher taxes and higher state spending do anything to create economic growth in the private sector? Why these stale politicians are continued to be voted into office is beyond me.
More Democratic rhetoric, how poorly can they continue to govern our state?

Why Not A Balanced Budget In Washington?

Here is a novel solution to the self imposed debt ceiling economic debacle created by the Obama Administration: balance the budget and create a plan to pay off the national debt of $14.5 trillion dollars.
Simplistic?
Yes.
Realistic?
No.
We as taxpayers must live within our means. We can not spend more than we earn or we face bankruptcy. That is also known as economic reality.
To me, there is little economic reality being offered by the Obama Administration. Raising the debt ceiling along with raising taxes and increasing spending is more of the same poor economic plan which has helped to create a mere $3 trillion more in the National Debt since Obama has taken office. Why has this happened? Why has this help to create stagflation? Are there any economic solutions that this Administration can actually offer that does not include more spending and more taxes? No-it is just more of the same. Something that does not work keeps being used over and over again.
Balance the budget and create a plan to pay off the national debt of $14.5 trillion dollars. Change that never happened-since 2009, change that ends not quick enough in 2012.

The Politics Of Hartford

The politics of Hartford never ceases to amaze me. Realizing that as a taxpayer I really do not have any say whatsoever in our state government. We have a wildly swinging Governor who seems to be in over his head in self created economic turmoil. He chooses a well know political tactic by cutting programs and areas which he knows will upset many in the state. Illogical random choices by far and wide are essential so that the Governor can make his point politically. We will assume at the last second there will be some sort of union/Democrat compromise along with yet another round of tax hikes and all the previously mentioned cuts will not take place. The theatrics of Malloy, Democrats and the unions make for some good laughs and good political theater for the media.
However, it does nothing to help the state, those who own businesses in the state or the long forgotten taxpayers who support this economic debacle. It continues to accelerate the great drain of business, industries and youth from our state. For example the buying of 200 jobs for large corporations such as Cigna at the cost to taxpayers of upwards of $47 million plus does little to foster economic growth for the state. Again it is just the politics of Hartford. More of the same, taxpayers being thrown under the train (which will now cost even more to ride).

Why Raise The National Debt Ceiling?

The National Debt is a critical economic issue in our country. In my economic opinion, it continues to be the most serious economic problem of our country. Government spends much more than it takes in, it truly has no idea what is owed nor where the money is going. It is an economic debacle. Our elected officials in many cases envision that higher taxes continue to solve all problems yet we continue to see that higher taxes does little to solve debt problems nor stimulate the economy. Especially higher taxes on wealthier individuals.
Wealth should not be viewed as a burden to our economy. Wealthy members of Congress are hypocritical with regards to this issue, as they are able enjoy their wealth but not anyone else (Look at Nancy Pelosi as an example). The National Debt can be resolved by cutting spending. It is a simplistic concept. Less money is spent thus driving down the need for more money to be borrowed by the Federal Government. It is a realistic plan. It is a logical plan and it is a plan that needs to be implemented by Congress.
Mr. Obama is lost economically. His economic policies and programs have failed our economy miserably. The Debt ceiling does not need to rise to further promote inefficient spending by his Administration nor are new taxes needed. Cut spending now.

Should There Be Any Concessions?

Really should there be any union concessions in Hartford? Why bother? A drop dead offer and vote is agreed upon and now both sides need to save political face. This is occurring while taxes have increased to one of the highest levels in the country, people are still moving out of the state, and taxpayers have been completely disrespected through this whole sham of a negotiation process.
It is tough to remind our one party rule in Hartford that there is more to the state economy than state union workers. It is tough to remind our one party rule in Hartford that taxpayers who actually work for a living are supporting this current economic debacle called state government. It is tough to remind our one party rule in Hartford that they are the cause of this fiscal crisis through their ineptness in governing.
Thus the only concessions that occurred in Hartford were by state taxpayers who now must pay more to support both a totalitarian union and state one party rule government. What a great agreement for us!

July 4, 1776 -July 4, 2011 235 Years Of Freedom

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

The Lost Legislative Session

While the media and Democrats are up in arms that the Unions turned against them and while Governor Malloy attempts to sidestep Constitutional law, we have an economic debacle come July 1. For on this day we will have the highest tax increase in our state's history, we will still have an unbalanced budget, we will have the highest per capital tax burden in the country, we will have a lower bond rating thus higher interest rates on state bonds, and finally we will have more of the same, economically inept government that we have had since Lowell Weicker.
We have had as taxpayers a lost legislative session. We do not have leadership from this stale one party rule in Hartford. Taxpayers monies were completely wasted by this past and continuing legislative session. And the end result is a continuing economic recession induced by the Democratic party in Hartford.
What a waste of time and money.

Unions Say No-I Am Confused As A Taxpayer

I wonder why? I wonder the unions said no? I am confused as a taxpayer. I know that apparently I and many other individuals who work and own businesses in the state of Connecticut are responsible for the state's fiscal woes not anyone who works or runs state government. Therefore, I know that apparently I and many other individuals who work and own businesses in the state of Connecticut should now have to pay more in taxes of all shapes, sizes and types. There really is no need for any sacrifice from anyone who works or runs state government. I know that apparently I and many other individuals who work and own businesses in the state of Connecticut will have to cut back on our personal and business spending to try to cope with this massive burden our elected officials in Hartford are dumping on us-all in the name of shared sacrifice-for us not them.
I wonder why voters in Connecticut choose to keep voting into office these economically challenged and economically illiterate politicians?
I guess it is all in the name of shared sacrifice-for us-not them. Twenty years of no new job growth, no make that twenty four now. A record that the Democrats should and are proud of. I am still confused.

Yet Another Listening Tour In Which Nothing Is Heard

I have to hand it to the Governor. He wants to spend more of taxpayers monies by taking a listening tour with his new director of economic development to talk to businesses in our state. He should understand he is an anti-business, anti-economic growth, liberal Governor.
I personally would ask him to save his time as I have nothing to say but the following:
How are you helping businesses by passing the largest tax increase in the state's history?
How are you helping businesses by increasing state spending once again?
How are you helping businesses by not doing anything to address the state's unfunded liabilities?
How are you helping businesses by passing a mandated sick leave law-the only state in the country to do so?
How are you helping businesses by still having one of the highest workers compensation costs in the country?
How are you helping businesses by having a poor transportation system with constant construction on the roads?
How are you helping businesses by having negative job growth for 20 years now?
How are you helping businesses by having your best and brightest youth continue to flee the state?
How are you helping businesses by having an archaic property tax system?
No, it will be another photo op for the Governor, who just does not seem to get enough of himself and his ego in the media.

Why Have Another Session For Jobs?

I am curious. Why is the Governor wanting to waste even more of Connecticut's remaining taxpayers monies by holding a special session in the fall for jobs? Doesn't he and his Super Democrat Majority-one party rule in Hartford realize they have done a great job over the past twenty years in ruining and eliminating new job creation in the state? There has been negative new job formation in the past twenty years in our state. The economic reasons of excessive high taxes on both personal and corporate income, excessive unemployment compensation taxes, excessive workers compensation costs, a poor transportation infrastructure and anti-business Attorney General (who beyond rational comprehension is our Senator now) have helped to contribute to businesses and industries moving out of Connecticut. This past legislative session will only force even more business and industries to move with even more regulations and yet even higher taxes.
Twenty years and waiting for new jobs. And if voters keep electing Super Democrat Majority-one party rule in Hartford, there will never be any new jobs in the state Ad Infinitum.

How Did Spending Get Cut In The State Budget?

I am really at a loss as to how economics and finance are rationalized and utilized in Hartford. Our Governor insists that spending was cut in the new budget, however spending increased from 3 to 5% depending how you read this secret document. I find it appalling as a taxpayer that this budget is not published throughout the state so that taxpayers could see where monies were actually being spent, how money was wasted and how this budget was business as usual for the Connecticut Democrat Super Majority-one party rule that we have in Hartford.
How was anything changed in the budget, I really can not see nor understand in economic terms. Nothing was cut, pays were increased in some cases and taxes were raised to an unmanageable level for those remain to work and do business in the state.
Thus, how did spending get cut in the state budget? How did anything change? How did any nepotism get eliminated? More importantly, how is Connecticut open for business? All lies emerging and compounding from our one party rule in Hartford.

Another Lost Four Years-No Make That Twenty Four Now

Well it looks like another lost four years here in Connecticut. After the rash of economically illiterate and leftist legislation which was passed by the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority this session, Connecticut is on its way for another wasted four years. This will go along with with the past 20 years which have been wasted with no new job formations since 1991.
Thus I am supposed to buy into the lies that the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority offer taxpayers, that higher taxes, socialistic governmental intervention of businesses and excessive liberal laws will make Connecticut open for business. All these failed bills, taxes and laws will do is make our border states much more attractive for any state business to move to. Really nothing has been done to improve our business climate, address runaway state spending, unfunded liabilities or excessive taxation. No, we as taxpayers have been given more of the same, higher state spending, more intrusive laws and higher taxes. It has been like this for 20 years now.
Better make that 24 years now.

This Is Good Government?

Is this really good government?
The Federal Government's unfunded liability is at $61.6 trillion dollars and climbing.
Connecticut's government unfunded liability depending upon what you believe is between $50 and $80 billion dollars and climbing.
The National Debt of the United States is $14.4 trillion dollars and climbing.
We now have one of the highest tax burdens in the world with no economic growth in the foreseeable future.
Connecticut continues to have negative job growth with an unrecorded unemployment rate of 18+% (those who are still out of work and no longer receive benefits).
Connecticut on July 1 will have the largest tax increase in the state's history and still does not have a balanced budget.
The United States Congress seems to have an unquenchable appetite for sexual adventures, all while we as taxpayers pay for it. Democrats in this area of sex must remain in power while Republicans are forced to resign their positions.
Why are we as taxpayers continuing to support this type of government?

State Government Out Of Control-Tax The Mountain Laurel

State government out of control. The Connecticut Democratic Super Majority will now come up with a new tax, taxing anyone who has a Mountain Laurel, the state flower, on their property. The Democrats could start up a new Unionized state department staffed by nepotism and payoffs to drive around in state vehicles and look at all of the private property in the state to see if anyone has the mountain laurel on their property. They would count by hand how many of these flowers you had and then have the State send you a tax bill on them. How high a tax on the state flower? As high as the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority wants it to be. For they are the dictatorship running and ruining our state simultaneously. Don't laugh, their freedom grabs and economic illiteracy are in plain view for all taxpayers to see in this session. Our state government is out of control. It is sickening to view.

No Connecticut Will Not Prosper Mr. Donovan

In one of the more bizarre political pieces that I have read, Chris Donovan has spun the coming economic debacle and recession caused by his Governor and party into a view that "Connecticut Will Prosper" (Record Journal 5/24/11).
Mr. Donovan and his Democratic Super Majority have all but nailed the final economic nail into the coffin called Connecticut with a laughable budget that increases state spending by 3%, creates the highest tax increase in the state's history, adds a ridiculous additional burden to the remaining businesses in the state and self promotes himself for his anointing as US Congressmen from the 5th District.
Your party created the budget deficit, your party did not listen to one thing that taxpayers had to say in false Malloy town meetings, your party continues to enable those who do not wish to work in our state, your party did not balance the budget as in economic reality it is not balanced in any way, shape or form, and your party will help to create massive economic damage for taxpayers.
Your budget is a lie-no Connecticut will further decline due to the massive tax increase, massive increases in state spending, massive continued nepotism of state hiring and still no economic reform in state pension funding and benefits.
The Democrats own this economic recession. There will be no prosperity except for those ruling elite like Chris Donovan and his Democratic Super Majority. The elite rule ruthlessly by punishing economic prosperity for those who work for it.

Does Anyone Understand Economics and Budgets In Hartford?

I am curious if anyone in Hartford understands economics and the process of a budget. First we have massive tax increases, then we have theoretical savings with supposed union concessions, then we have a $1 billion dollar surplus, then we have who knows what?
What a mess economically we are now in now in with the first and hopefully last Malloy budget. It is full of theories, estimated savings, massive tax increases, and economic rhetoric which makes our entire state budget process a sham. How can we now have a $1 billion dollar surplus when we have a $4 billion dollar deficit? How is this possible economically? How is economic forecasting actually done by state government? Through whatever the Democrats say it is with no economic proof of the actual dollar figures? And the media just reports these continual economic fallacies as the truth?
In my economic opinion taxpayers are not stupid. The true stupidity comes from this false economic process which is politically expedient. The true economic loss is the loss of economic growth of Connecticut as proven by the last Malloy budget.

The Malloy Recession

The Malloy Recession. It is coming July 1. It is due to economic illiteracy of the highest level and a one party dictatorship. It is due to a smoke screen of economic magic. Supposed savings here, supposed savings there, supposed savings everywhere. Where are the actual savings? Does the state actually show spending cuts in a $20 billion dollar budget that increases spending by 3 to 5% in its first year? Does the state actually make it more business friendly by increasing corporate taxes to some of the highest levels in the country? That is what is considered as a business incentive-high taxes? Does shared sacrifice mean that only taxpayers pay more rather than any meaningful cuts in wages, benefits or pensions for state union workers? How does $21 billion dollars in supposed savings take place over 20 years in an union agreement which still does not address the economic reality of excessive wages, benefits and pensions? And while a state worker uses the emergency room a mere 150 times for what? And where were the cuts in wages, benefits and pensions for state management workers? Where is there shared sacrifice?
The Malloy Recession. It is coming July 1-brace yourselves, economically you will have never seen anything like it before in your lifetimes.

Is it Shared Sacrifice? ...What Shared Sacrifice?

What is shared sacrifice? Is shared sacrifice when those who work for a living in Connecticut see their taxes increase by $3 billion dollars over two years? Is shared sacrifice when those who own a business in Connecticut see their fundamental rights to run their business be limited by two new Democratic sponsored bills to limit free speech in their companies and force mandatory sick leave? Is shared sacrifice when this supposed new State Employee Union agreement does not in economic reality save anything for taxpayers over the life of a new fixed five year contract? Is shared sacrifice when those who work for a living in Connecticut work under a constant threat of layoffs and wage/benefit cuts and state employees are exempted from lay offs? Is shared sacrifice when those who work in management positions for the state and state officials in the legislature have absolutely no cuts in salary, benefits or pensions as we have seen in the private sector? Is shared sacrifice when Dick Blumenthal who did massive damage to the business climate of the state as Attorney General must be supported by taxpayers with a $51,360 a year pension for life along with state medical benefits?
There is no shared sacrifice in my economic opinion with a totalitarian one party rule to our state that also acts as a ruthless economic scam to taxpayers. Taxpayers have been raped one too many times by this one party rule.

Why Higher Taxes Will Not Solve Connecticut's Economic Woes

Higher taxes will do little to help Connecticut and its fiscal debacle. Higher taxes negate economic growth by continuing to erode purchasing power and wealth formation through the excessive transfer of money from the private sector to the public sector. And we can now the excessive waste of state government spending. We are lied to by our Administration with the economic fallacy that spending was cut when it actuality it increased by another 4% and taxes will increase by 20%. The increase in taxes will create the right conditions for a new massive economic downturn for the state.
All this because Malloy and the Super Democratic Majority in Hartford can not address the nepotism, the excesses, the wasteful spending, the bloated bureaucracy of excessive management, workers, pay and benefits that rules our state. There has been absolutely no reform in state government, it only has been more of the same economic debacle. And the same lies force fed to the taxpayers of our state.
Higher taxes will not do anything but help to create a massive economic recession, all for the sake of Democratic political power.

Connecticut's New Recession

The new recession is coming to Connecticut. An economic recession of stagflation, high unemployment and high inflation. A recession where taxes will be going up by at least $3 billion plus dollars and job formation remains non existent. A recession where excessive state government spending continues to increase on a monthly basis, state employee salaries and benefits continue to go unchecked. A recession where intensive lobbying continues to choke off economic growth and places economic power solely in the hands of a decaying, self fulfilling, poorly governed state legislative body. A recession where we will see nothing else but higher taxes and higher state spending on nepotism further eroding economic logic.
A recession which will slam Connecticut like no other one in state economic history. A recession brought about by poor government and poor leadership. Connecticut's new recession is here already and we will see its impact quickly. All due to the economic illiteracy of Malloy and the Super Democratic Majority who rule with an iron fist for their own good and power, not for those who work for a living in our state.

The Economically Irresponsible, Economically Illiterate Democratic Budget

It is done. An economically irresponsible, an economically illiterate, anti taxpayer, and anti business Connecticut Democratic Super Majority Budget is now done. Democrat leaders are euphoric over their rape and pillage of the Connecticut taxpayer. Democrat leaders are euphoric over their rape and pillage of Connecticut Businesses. Democrat leaders are euphoric over their rape and pillage of our state.
There is nothing in this budget that is economically sound nor economically stimulating. It is a budget that maintains the status quo of excessive, non productive, wasteful state governmental spending and excessively high taxes. There was no shared sacrifice by any member of the Malloy Administration nor of the State Legislature. The highest tax increase in this state's history will help to create one of the worse economic recessions this state will ever see in our history. This will be proven very quickly as business and industry will start to flee from the excessive tax burdens placed upon them.
We have wasted 21 years and counting since the state income tax was supposed to save our state. 21 years later state spending has increased 250%, there is zero new job growth and we now are the second highest taxed state in the country. Democrat leaders are euphoric over their rape and pillage of the Connecticut taxpayers since 1990. That is really something to be proud of.

Democrats To Connecticut Taxpayers: We Own You Now

I know of no economic textbook which reads that by increasing spending 3% and raising taxes by $3 billion dollars over two years you create economic stimulation. Thus Malloy and the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority own the Connecticut Taxpayer completely in 2011. Malloy and the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority now have completely dismantled any hope of economic growth for years to come with their economically irresponsible budget. How does raising spending yet another 3% along with the highest tax increase in the state's history help to create economic stimulation? How does doubling of business taxes in some cases give any incentive for business to remain in the state? What happened to the omnipotent state income tax passed by Weicker and the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority at that time-I thought that was supposed to be the path to economic prosperity? We still have zero new job formation in Connecticut since the passage of the state income tax.
Connecticut taxpayers are the economic slaves of Malloy and the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority-we can see it clearly with this new budget. Remember in 2011 taxpayers are now the slaves of state government. Watch how many more citizens and businesses move out over the next few years.

Here Are Your Three Cents Taxpayers! Taxes Increase $1.4 Billion

Here are your three cents taxpayers! Taxes increase $1.4 billion dollars! A gift from the Malloy Administration and the Connecticut Hartford Democratic Super Majority. Your gas tax will not go up an additional three cents! Taxpayers should be sending thank you notes to Malloy and Donovan on this one. They do not mention how gas tax revenue is increasing due to the secret 5.8% Secret Gross Earnings Tax on gas, as gas prices increase, this tax increases also. And is also passed onto consumers at the pump. But the state naturally does not want you to know about that. They want you to understand that by taking $1.4 billion dollars from taxpayers it somehow creates economic expansion in our state. By not getting any union givebacks nor by Malloy and his administration not taking any cuts in their pay or benefits we are all part of this shared sacrifice somehow. The shared sacrifice for taxpayers and those who work and do business in our state, not the ruling elite in Hartford.
Malloy's budget and tax plan is a big economic lie. It will continue excessive state spending, excessive taxation and will continue to force citizens to move out of Connecticut. Some of those moving will have those three extra cents-does it make any sense any more to live in Connecticut?

The Malloy Administration=Economic Insanity

The Malloy Administration equals economic insanity. It also equals economic illiteracy. It also equals higher gas prices. It also equals higher business taxes. It also equals higher personal taxes. It also equals a higher cost of living, working and doing business in the state. It also equals illegal Esty carbon taxes (which will doing nothing to supposedly stop the mythical pollution we have in our state). It also equals more and more productive businesses and industries moving out of our state. It also equals more of youth moving out of our state.
The Malloy Administration-once they clean and rape our economy thoroughly will then be able to understand shared sacrifice for the few remaining individuals who work in our state-the rest will have voted against Malloy before he runs for reelection by voting with their feet. And move out of Connecticut and its economic insanity lead by the Malloy Administration.
Gee I wonder what the deficit will be like in two more years?
Gee I wonder what the deficit will be like in two more years?
Gee I wonder what the deficit will be like in two more years?
Gee I wonder what the deficit will be like in two more years?
The same lies over and over again.

Again Higher Spending And Higher Taxes

Connecticut will never learn. It is the same story over and over again. Higher state spending with higher taxes produces the same stagnant economy. Higher state spending with higher taxes makes more businesses and industries move out of state. Higher state spending with higher taxes stagnates economic growth. Higher state spending with higher taxes forces our young people to leave for more tax and job friendly states. Higher state spending with higher taxes keeps an entitlement elite in the money. Higher state spending with higher taxes keeps lobbying groups running our state. Higher state spending with higher taxes produces zero new job formation. Higher state spending with higher taxes slams the working middle class. Higher state spending with higher taxes slams small businesses in our state. Higher state spending with higher taxes is just more of the same stale political leadership on both sides of the aisle.
Connecticut will never learn. Higher state spending with higher taxes produces the same stagnant economy.

National Debt/National Debacle

Is the national debt a national debacle? Does the current administration have any idea what a downgrade in credit means to borrowing for the national debt? How does the current administration's rhetoric do anything to resolve the national debt issue? Why is cutting spending on a national level so politically difficult when our economy can not support a debt of this magnitude any more? Why are lobbyist increasing their spending in Washington so as to influence the budget decision? To the tune of $3.5 billion dollars in 2010 to buy influence, power and a high national debt.
Why is Representative Ryan's program being vilified without even being read or understood? And where is the actual Obama plan to resolve the national debt? I only hear the constant complaining and negativity coming from the Democrats with absolutely no direction or plans coming from them to resolve the national debt crisis that they have created.
The national debt is a national debacle and needs to be resolved today. A lowering of credit value should shame Washington into action. But I forgot that economic illiteracy is the menu of choice by Congress and this Administration. The national debt is a national debacle.

Connecticut's Decline

Connecticut is in decline. A steep decline. A decline of enormous proportions. A decline of jobs. A decline of business and industry. A decline of affordable housing for young people starting out. A decline in affordable education for legal residents while illegals are given a free ticket to this same education. A decline in our transportation and road system. A decline in representative government for those who work in our state. A decline in truth in state government-has it ever existed in the first place? A decline in youth actually remaining in our state after graduation from high school and college. A decline in most aspects of the quality of life.
Connecticut's decline rests totally upon an economically illiterate state government and those who are in power in Hartford. We have economic decline due to over taxation, grave economic inefficiencies of state government and a massive lobbying effort which displaces the middle and upper income taxpayers from having any representation in Hartford.
Connecticut is in decline. A steep decline. And will continue to get worse with the coming Malloy budget.

Dan, Dan The Tax Man, Raise Some More Taxes Today!

Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
Raise Some More Taxes Today!
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
How Many Jobs Went Away Today?
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
How Many More Businesses Closed Today?
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
How Few Concessions Did You Get Today?
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
Raise Some More Taxes Today!
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
How Many More Moved Out Of Your State Today?
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
Economics Is Obviously Not Your Strong Point!
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
Raise Some More Taxes Today!
Yes-Dan, Dan The Tax Man
And Watch Your State Go Away!

Tuesday's Economic Thoughts

And there are many.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's, "The Path to Prosperity" is a courageous attempt to cut federal spending and is being met with the usual liberal panic screams and lies. If one actually reads the plan, one can see the economic logic being presented by him and his plan to reduce the National Debt. The same National Debt for those who are living on another plant is $14 trillion dollars plus at least $30 trillion in unfunded liabilities/off budget items.
Mr. Malloy's stunted attempt to do anything about Connecticut's high taxes, unfunded liabilities, massive state spending and nepotism can viewed as a direct opposite of Mr. Ryan's courageous stand. Malloy offers residents/taxpayers more of the same, excessively high taxes and excessively high state spending. He has no understanding whatsoever of how our economy works. Then again there will be few who continue to stay and work in our state due to this economic illiteracy and economic fraud.
Fiscally Conservative Wallingford Mayor Dickinson again offers a strong town budget much to the dismay of his political enemies. By cutting spending and doing with less, Wallingford again leads the way in our state with sound fiscal management. Maybe our economically illiterate Democratic Super majority in Hartford could come down and see how real government works. What a fantasy.
High energy prices? They are an illusion since the Federal Reserve states there is little inflation in our economy at this time. Thus the $4 a gallon for gas you are paying coupled with $3.65 a gallon for heating oil apparently does not exist when you are paying for it. We only have have since 1973 to become energy self sufficient-maybe by 2073 we will be.

Why Is Mr. Obama Running For Re-election? $14 Trillion Dollar National Debt

And why did he announce it in April 2011 when the election is November 2012. Thus we will now have a mere 18 months of campaigning by Mr. Obama. I am sure this campaigning will be paid for by taxpayers. The same taxpayers who must foot the $14 trillion dollar National Debt that Mr. Obama has nurtured and expanded since he has taken office. The next 18 months we will hear about the great governing of Mr. Obama while we as taxpayers try to grasp this $14 trillion dollar National Debt. The next 18 months we will hear how evil the Republican candidate for President is, was and will be while we hear songs of praise of Mr. Obama and his $14 trillion dollar National Debt. We will also try to understand the constant changes in Mr. Obama's foreign policies while simultaneously fighting war on three fronts and the expansion of the $14 trillion dollar National Debt due to these now three wars. We will try to comprehend all of the failed economic stimulous programs that we enacted by Mr. Obama and how they contributed to the $14 trillion dollar National Debt. Yes we as taxpayers joyfully welcome the next 18 months of pure rhetoric, theatrics and lies that the next Presidential election will bring. All while we try to grasp a $14 trillion dollar National Debt.

Obamacare One Year Later-Do You Feel Any Better?

I am wondering with Obamacare one year old do you feel any better? Have your medical insurance premiums gone up in the year? Do you know an elderly person now having trouble with his or her supplementary carrier? I know my Aunt now has to pay for all blood tests. Does everyone now have medical insurance? Is everyone in our economy now healthy? Since the implementation of Obamacare, four states and over one thousand organizations have been exempted from its regulation-did you get your personal exemption yet from the President? I thought everyone was forced into this plan since it was so good? And so cheap also? Not the extra trillions of dollars it will cost taxpayers over the next ten years.
Not much has changed since the first year of Obamacare, our President is lost economically, lost nationally, lost on the world wide scene and most importantly lost with Obamacare.
Call your Congressperson today for your personal exemption, after all they exempted themselves from this economic medical debacle.

How Do We Define Connecticutax Shared Sacrifice?

I am fascinated by the concept of shared sacrifice for the working class of Connecticutax. It is an amazing concept to read about and listen to our elected officials talk about. It is amazing to hear the Connecticutax Democratic Super Majority in Hartford explain to those people who work in our state what shared sacrifice is. To me it is a simplistic economic concept, it means to continue to increase taxes for those who work and do business in our state and then redistribute it to those who are state elected officials and workers in the form of above average wage, benefits and pensions.
Shared sacrifice is not part of our elected officials or workers vocabulary. It means instead to continue the economic status quo of excessive spending and taxation coupled with excessive state employee benefits especially for those in power. It means that those who continue to work in our state will support to an even larger degree the economic insolvency that the Connecticutax Democratic Super Majority in Hartford has helped to nurture, develop and refine over the past 25 years.
I am truly fascinated by this concept and how this elite ruling class has exempted themselves from it-sort of like getting more money in your pension through mileage reimbursements. And I forgot our auditors overlooked that! Thats ok, what's another $10,000 wasted of taxpayer's monies?

Look At The Shared Sacrifice Of The Ruling Elite In Hartford

We must overlook the missed shared sacrifice of Mr. Malloy and the $8.5 million dollars of taxpayer's monies he took in matching funds for his campaign.

And we must also overlook the shared sacrifice of the states recently retired top two auditors.
Equal to blame from both parties as quoted from 3/27/11 Kevin Rennie-Hartford Courant Now You Know Column The two auditors who held the job for nearly 20 years, Republican Robert Jaekle and Democrat Kevin Johnston, retired late last year. According to the Office of the State Comptroller, based on their "three high year earnings," Jaekle receives "an estimated retirement benefit" (translation: pension) of $137,640 a year. Johnston receives a pension estimated at $160,800 a year.

Please keep in mind that the auditors are the crack troops of fiscal prudence. A portion of those generous pensions includes mileage. Again from the comptroller, "The average of Mr. Johnston's three high year earnings included $10,450.92 attributable to reportable mileage. The average of Mr. Jaekle's three high year earnings included $11,427.82 attributable to reportable mileage."

Now that is real shared sacrifice upon two individuals who were guarding the states finances. Let us see how much we can rip taxpayers off now. How from an accounting auditing perspective can mileage be counted towards a pension? How from an audited accounting perspective can this be allowed? And what is the concept of shared sacrifice? What a bunch of shared lies coming out of Hartford.

Yes Higher Taxes Solve Everything

Stupid me. I did not realize that higher taxes solve every problem on a state level. Just when I thought I knew a great deal about economics by studying and teaching it for the past 37 years, I never realized that politicians are right when they state that higher taxes solve everything. It is kind of like when Lowell Weicker stated that the new founded State Income Tax would solve all of Connecticut's fiscal problems. So twenty years later we have a budget deficit of $3.6 billion dollars and state spending has doubled over that same twenty years period. Just as a side, the state population continues to fall. Thus twenty years later the state now spends 100% more on less citizens and still is in the hole by $3.6 billion dollars. And here is another fact that the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority does not want you to know: 49.3% of all state revenue is made up by the state income tax (only ranked #2 in the country) and 40% of all income tax receipts are paid for by the top 1% of the income earners (those making $500,001 and more). And I see that the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority wants to increase that figure even more to solve all of their fiscal worries and continue to spend wastefully and foolishly as they have done for the past twenty years.
What economic illiteracy. Continue to tax the supposed rich even more so that more will move out of state and the burden will fall on the remaining overtaxed citizens of the state. Rather than cutting spending once and for all and lowering taxes, the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority wants that Number 1 ranking in taxes in the country.
Taxpayers can shout with glee, "We're #1, we're #1". And will not be for basketball any more-get use to those empty basketball game seats, taxpayers can no longer afford the games, only higher taxes as the Connecticut Democratic Super Majority wants us to have. How ignorant of me, higher taxes solve everything in Connecticut. But one day coming quickly taxpayers will say no to this economic madness.

Why Don't You Just Cut Spending In Hartford?

I do not know, has this concept been tried in Hartford? Has Mr. Malloy and his fellow Super Democratic Majority considered cutting spending rather than raising the following taxes:
Income tax: Increases income taxes on individuals making more than $50,000 a year and couples making more than $100,000 a year; increases the highest income tax rate from 6.5 to 6.7 percent; eliminates the 3% bracket on an individual’s first $10,000 in earnings and a couple’s first $20,000 for those making more than $56,500 and $100,500, respectively; expands the number of brackets from 3 to 8.
Sales tax increase: Increases the state sales tax from 6 percent to 6.25 percent and to 6.35 percent at retail locations.
Sales tax expansion: Applies the sales tax to now-exempt items such as hair cuts, car washes, and clothing and footwear that costs less than $50.
Eliminates Sales Tax Free Week
Property tax credit elimination: Eliminates the existing $500 property tax credit for the middle class.
Cigarette tax: Raises taxes on cigarettes by 40 cents a pack, from $3.00 to $3.40; increase tax on snuff from 40 cents to $1 per ounce; increases tax on other tobacco products from 20% to 50% of wholesale price
Alcohol tax: Raises taxes on alcohol by 20 percent (tax on distilled spirits goes from $4.50 a gallon to $5.40; tax on beer goes from 20 cents a gallon to 24 cents; tax on wine goes from 60 cents a gallon to 72 cents)
Gas tax: Increases the state gas tax from 25 cents a gallon to 28 cents a gallon; and diesel fuel from 26 to 28 cents a gallon.
Earned Income Tax Credit: Increases state spending by more than $100 million though a new, negative income tax of up to $1,700 for low income households that earn less than about $21,500 a year from their jobs.
Death Tax: Lowers the estate tax exemption from $3.5 million to $2 million, making more of an estate subject to the estate tax, which starts at 7.2% and rises to 12%, over and above the federal death tax.
Hotel tax: Increases the sales tax on hotel stays from 12 percent to 15 percent.
Corporate tax: Extends a 10 percent corporate profits tax surcharge on large businesses for two more years; establishes “throw back” rule expanding their income subject to state taxation.
Luxury sales tax: Applies an additional luxury sales tax of 3 percent on clothing over $1,000, jewelry over $5,000, vehicles over $50,000, and boats over $100,000.
Driver’s license: Increases the driver’s license tax from $66 to $72, good for 6 years ($1 a year increase).
Car registration tax: Rises from $75 to $80 biennially.
Care rental tax: Rises from 8 percent to 9 percent.
Insurance premiums tax: Increases the insurance premium tax from 1.75% to 1.95%.
Health facilities: Raises taxes on hospitals, nursing homes, and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded, in an effort designed to trigger federal reimbursements.
Energy tax: Establishes a new tax of 2/10ths of a cent per kilowatt on electricity generated in Connecticut , with a special interest exemption for favored “green” energy producers.
Real estate conveyance tax: Makes permanent a .25% real estate tax and expands an optional conveyance tax.
Cabaret tax: Creates a new cabaret tax of 3%.
Admissions & Dues Tax: Eliminates exemptions from the 10% tax on admissions to certain places of “amusement, entertainment, or recreation” (eg, New Britain Rock Cats home games, events at the Hartford Civic Center ).
Boat tax: Taxes boats at a statewide rate of 20 mills.
Airplane tax: Taxes airplanes at a statewide rate of 20 mills.
Film Tax Credit: Decreases tax credit transferability to 50%, then 25%, against the corporate tax.
Sales Tax Exemptions Eliminated
Pet grooming services
Automotive storage
Boat services (docking, storage, cleaning, repair, tow)
Packing & crating
Car washes
Automobile road and towing services
Limousine services (with driver)
Labor charges -repair of small aircraft
Clothing and footwear under $50
Non-prescription drugs
Manicure and pedicure services
Eliminate trade-ins exemption for auto vehicles
Eliminate exemption for coupons, discounts, trade-ins
Airport valet parking services
Cosmetic surgery
Haircuts
Yoga Studios
Cloth and fabric purchase for non-commercial sewing
Hazardous waste removal
Eliminate exemption for solid waste to energy facilities
(Cited From The Federation of Connecticut
Taxpayer Organizations, Inc. Susan Kniep, President
Website: http://ctact.org/)

I do not know I guess it much more fun just to raise taxes in Hartford rather than face the economic reality that higher taxes would further inhibit economic growth and job creation in the state. It will continue to worsen the business climate in the state. It will continue to accelerate the young people leaving our state for better economic opportunities elsewhere. It will continue the politics as usual which the Super Democratic Majority embraces. I do not know how higher taxes solve anything at all. Just more of the lies of Hartford.