Connecticut Liberals Fascination With Tolls

Connecticut's liberals and progressives have a fascination with tolls.  Just as they had a fascination and made in reality Connecticut's progressive state income tax.  For those who can remember Governor Weicker shoved down Connecticut Taxpayers throats a progressive state income tax in 1991 that was supposed to solve Connecticut's fiscal problems.  It did not solve any problems just increased by massive amounts Connecticut's debt through much higher salaries, benefits and pensions for both state union and management workers.
Thus tolls are becoming a forgone conclusion as a new tax on Connecticut Taxpayers in the amount of $500 to $700 million dollars more to drive per year in the state on our horrific and outdated road system.  Greenwich Democrat Senator Alexandra Bergstein has filed Proposed Bill No.102 which authorizes the Department of Transportation to establish tolls in the state.  This vague bill will allow the spigot of new tax revenue to flow freely with what I feel with be a massive amount of tolls on all the roads in state.  I am also skeptical that any of the money will be used to refurbish Connecticut's decrepit bridges and roads even with the new Transportation lock box (this money can only be used by the DOT).  Instead we will now have a Toll bureaucracy with new high paid union and management jobs that will erode a great deal of the revenue taken in.  And watch the lobbying efforts by the politically connected to be exempted from the tolls.
Millions of dollars were spent spent on three political studies on tolls that have suggested that all of the states roads have tolls - 82 different locations in our small state.  The reasoning behind this is get more revenue thus all the studies concluded that over $1 billion dollars in new revenue will be achieved by tolls.  What happens if it doesn't?  Do the rate of tolls increase even more?  Also there is no mention whatsoever of the economic impact the tolls will have on Connecticut Taxpayers and the massive increases in the costs of products, services and the general increase in the cost to live in the state.
Connecticut's liberals and progressives enjoy punishing Connecticut Taxpayers through new taxes.  After all the two largest tax increases in Connecticut's history in the past six years did nothing to alleviate Connecticut's massive budget deficits and or $80 to $100 billion dollars plus of short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities it has.  Tolls will add more fuel to the economic recession Connecticut seems to always be in.  And they will do little to create a more robust business climate to attract businesses to the state.
Connecticut's liberals and progressives could care less about Connecticut Taxpayers.  What is next a $14315 per person tax to have every Connecticut Taxpayer pay their supposed fair share of the Connecticut Debt?  Connecticut's liberals and progressives I am sure are working on this.
Tolls are yet another burden added to all of the other the tax burdens that Connecticut Taxpayers must deal with.  And they will further drive more citizens and businesses out of state.

Connecticut's Misguided Tolls

Tolls here.  Tolls there.  Tolls everywhere.  New union jobs here.  New union jobs there.  New union jobs everywhere.
A new liberal euphoria is spreading in Connecticut today with the new Lamont administration.  It can be summed up with yet a new tax being dictated to Connecticut Taxpayers.  It can be summed up as being equal to the second state income tax for Connecticut Taxpayers.
It is of course Tolls.
Tolls are a wonderful tax for Connecticut bureaucrats.  Studies have been made on tolls funded with Connecticut Taxpayers monies that are secret in nature.  It is difficult to gain information on them since the Connecticut Democrat Party does not wish to either discuss them nor disclose the amount of tolls they wish to place on the roads.  It was not an issue in the last campaign according to the state media. 
What is lost in the debate about tolls is both the economic impact it will have on the state increasing the cost of living dramatically for Connecticut Taxpayers and the amount of federal funds that will be lost because tolls have been implemented.  In my opinion there is no possible way tolls will either offset the amount of funding currently being given by the Federal Transit Administration which $703 million dollars (2017)) and or increase revenue for the state unless the state implements the highest toll roads in the country.  Someone in our state government needs to answer this question immediately before any more Connecticut Taxpayers monies are wasted on more "toll studies".  If tolls pass one will argue that Connecticut Taxpayers taxes have now increased by another $703 million dollars plus the costs to implement the tolls.
Naturally those politically connected will be exempt from the tolls through various amendments to the toll bill when enacted.  We as Connecticut Taxpayers will not be.
The new toll costs will be passed on by every business that must travel in the state through higher prices for their goods and services.  The cost of living in Connecticut will skyrocket again.  The working middle class will once again be forced to sacrifice to pay this new tax and their standard of living will become lower again thanks to these new tolls.
Thus in 2019 we will be entering our 28th year of the recession in Connecticut.  Connecticut will once again be last in all economic development and job creation categories, first in the country in state tax rates and highest local property taxes, first in the country with net population loss, and last in consumer confidence.
The new flight from Connecticut has started again.  Like it is has been for the past 28 years since 1991.

Connecticut: A Politicians Adult Playground

When I was younger I enjoyed playing in our school's playground.  The swings, the ball fields, the climbing bars and see saws were a great source of fun and good memories growing up in the 1960's.  Back then we did not have to check our messages on our phones, we could actually grow and learn, we did not have to hear political correctness in the classroom, we could learn to think, rationalize and reason and most importantly actually learn new ideas, concepts, and knowledge.  Skills to live in society.
In 2018 children grow up in a vastly different environment with strict controls and schedules.
Why do I bring this up in a political opinion column?  For the simple reason I can compare the playground of my youth to the carefree playground that is called Connecticut state government that is financed by you and I-Connecticut Taxpayers.
Connecticut Taxpayers foot the bill for the Connecticut politicians adult playground that is enjoyed by our elected officials, state union and management workers, state retirees along with the special interest groups that receive free taxpayers monies for their businesses.  This Connecticut adult playground is tough to get invited into as one must pay to play in it through a vast web of political donations, correct connections to employment (even though the person does not the qualifications for the job), special lobbying of elected officials with proper contributions to those same elected officials,  and secret agreements between state officials, agencies, state unions and certain hand chosen businesses that can not be viewed or questioned by Connecticut Taxpayers.
This Connecticut adult playground is free of worry or care as the only concern for many of Connecticut's elected officials is to control the press and get reelected to office for as long as possible.  This Connecticut adult playground is a place where no new or higher tax is cared about as in the playground only new and higher taxes are good and tax cuts and tax reform are bad.  In this Connecticut adult playground no laws exist and any law can be broken or manipulated to the benefit of the elected official, state official or state worker.  Laws only exist for Connecticut Taxpayers who foot the bill for this Connecticut adult playground.  This Connecticut adult playground has been nurtured and developed for years now with the Connecticut State Income Tax leading the way in its construction. 
This Connecticut adult playground has helped to bankrupt Connecticut both financially and morally.  Connecticut's short and long term debt along with its unfunded liabilities is between $60 and $80 billion dollars. Connecticut's debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio is at a staggering 20% and growing.  Is there possibly a plan to address this in the upcoming election?
Connecticut's current economic path is unsustainable and ready to collapse under this unyielding debt.   Connecticut will soon have junk bond status in the future and be unable to borrow monies to run this Connecticut adult playground.
Connecticut Taxpayers are tired of paying for this economic debacle.  This Connecticut adult playground needs to be destroyed.  Eliminated in 2018.

The Malloy Gimmick Veto-Still No Connecticut Budget

Governor Malloy vetoed on September 28 what he called a "gimmick-laden" budget that passed the House and Senate on September 15/16.  The Governor long on rhetoric and short on economic literacy continued his rants and raves about how bad the budget was since it made cuts to higher education especially the University of Connecticut.  Malloy then took to the road with UConn's President Susan Herbst who in fiscal year 2015-2016 earned a mere $911,037.50 in salary along with $75,062.21 in fringe benefits (http://transparency.ct.gov/html/searchpayroll.asp) to state the devastation that will take place to the University if those budget cuts were made.  The Board of Regents for Higher Education President Mark Ojakian who earns in excess of $332,000 a year in salaries and benefits took equally to the streets to stir up a posse of complaints about the new budget and its cuts to his department. Cries of "Tax the Rich" were heard by several special interest groups even though many of the wealthiest Connecticut Taxpayers are moving out of the state each year thus furthering the collapsing tax revenues the state receives each year. 
Obviously here in Connecticut cutting spending is wrong especially when its comes to higher education.  If one examines closely the higher education budget especially for administrative non teaching positions salaries, benefits and pensions there seems to be a massive amount of money being spent in these areas. The only solutions in response to these budget cuts being put forth by its leaders is to raise tuition for students.  There is never any mention of cuts to either President Herbst's or President Ojakian's salaries, benefits or pensions.  Nor there is ever any mention of any economic solutions by what is supposed to be some of the smartest and brightest individuals in our society who run Connecticut higher education on how to do more with less money. Connecticut Taxpayers must finds ways to do more with less on a daily basis.
Thus we still have no budget nor do I believe we will have a budget in the near future. 
Governor Malloy and the Connecticut Democrat Party wishes to inflict as much pain and suffering it can on Connecticut Taxpayers in order to protect and nurture a ruling political class that has decreed upon itself one of the highest levels of salaries, benefits and pensions in the country at the expense of the state's economic well being.  
Connecticut continues to be an economic nightmare with this budget mess.  Connecticut continues to have failed leadership in its government.  Connecticut's short and long term debt continues to be massive. 
It is time to take back Connecticut.

Connecticut Is The No Budget State

It is too bad that Connecticut does not have a coherent new budget that cuts spending and does not raise taxes.  The Republican budget proposal offered no new or increased taxes and it also cut spending.  This type of budget was not acceptable to Governor Malloy or to most of the tried and true liberal tax and spend union endorsed Democrat legislators that have helped to drive Connecticut into economic ruin.  The Republican budget which was passed by both the House and Senate was vetoed by Governor Malloy who then felt a need to take to the road to condemn the Republican budget and somehow try to gain support for higher taxes to once again solve all of Connecticut's economic woes.  His road show was comical at best as many Connecticut Taxpayers see through his lies and deceptions of his failed economic policies of massive tax hikes along with massive increases in spending.
Malloy's veto represents his Administration's views of he is right and everyone else is wrong.  Only Dan Malloy and his Connecticut Democrat Party policies and points of view are correct.  There is no room nor has there ever been compromise in Hartford.  It is only the failed Malloy way or no way at all as is seen with this inept budget crisis continuing to this day.
What was wrong with signing the Republican passed budget?  For one thing it asked for cuts in state spending.  Connecticut Taxpayers realize that Dan Malloy and his Connecticut Democrat Party along with state labor unions reject any attempt for fiscal conservatism.  After all how do you buy votes in 2018 if you can not promise highly paid state jobs to those who deliver them?  Why should there be any shared sacrifice in dealing with the Connecticut debt problem? 
So we still do not have a budget.  Negotiations seem to be going nowhere and with good reason.  There is a passed realistic Republican budget that cuts spending and does not raise taxes.  It should have been signed by Governor Malloy and been given a chance to succeed.  The two largest tax increases in the states history have done nothing to either balance the budget nor pay down Connecticut's excessive long term debt. 
Why couldn't something new been tried to help the state?  I know why.  Connecticut Taxpayers have no say in our government as we only work for the Democrat dictatorship that has entrapped our state for too many years now.
It is time to take back Connecticut in 2018.

September 2 and No New Connecticut Budget

Again we have no new Connecticut budget.  Nothing new.  It is now September 2 and there is no new Connecticut budget.  64 days into the new fiscal year and there is still no new Connecticut budget.  Can you believe 64 days of total inaction and a lack of leadership by the Connecticut Democrat Party in preparing a mandated fiscal year budget?  In private industry you would be fired.  In Hartford you are rewarded in their political spoils system.  Now we know however there were several Republican budget proposals that the Democrats would not allow to reach the House or Senate floor for a vote.  No the Connecticut Democrat Party in their supposed bipartisanship does not allow for opposing views to be presented by the Connecticut Republican Party even though they represent 47% of Connecticut's legal citizens.  Obviously bipartisanship means with regards to budget discussions are only what the Connecticut Democrat Party will allow to be spoken through new and higher taxes.  Governor Malloy now is at war with the bulk of the state's cities and towns wanting to rob cash from fiscally conservative and responsible towns to give to the socialist and fiscally incompetent cities such as Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven.  He now states that cities and towns have been given too much over the years even though the state mandates draconian and fiscally irresponsible programs such binding arbitration that can not be paid for by these sames cities and towns.  To me there is such great irony and hypocrisy in the Governors remarks.
There is now talk in much higher state income taxes for those who are "rich" and for those who are middle class.  These income taxes I am sure will be retroactive to January 1 to extract more cash out of Connecticut "rich" citizens.  This higher income tax along with much higher sales taxes and a city sales tax will further the economic erosion of our once great state.
When will it all end?
These new taxes will not do anything to resolve the constant state budget deficits.
Again I will restate that lies are the rule in Hartford as our Democrat elected officials believe their constant lies of higher taxes and more spending will solve all of Connecticut's economic problems.  There is no accountability nor repercussions for the Connecticut Democrat Party and their dishonesty and myths about higher taxes.  Connecticut Taxpayers really deserve better.  This budget fiasco shows once again that the Connecticut Democrat Party is the true economic cancer of the state.

August 5 and No New Connecticut Budget

Not much new here in Connecticut.  A new concession package did little to resolve any of the current issues of salaries, benefits and pensions as the agreement locks in the current excessive union salary, benefits and pensions spoils system until 2027.  I do not understand the point of this secretly negotiated concessions package as it did little to resolve the issues in salaries, benefits and pensions.  All it did was to kick the problem down the road ten years from now or sooner if Connecticut becomes bankrupt.
The budget still has a  $3 billion dollar deficit that the Connecticut Democrat Party wants to resolve with much higher sales taxes and new city sales taxes since they are going to cut municipal aid for state mandated programs, services and teachers pensions.  You will also see massive property tax increases for most cities and towns since these state cuts for mandated programs, services and teachers pensions have to be replaced.  The new city sales tax will be yet another cumbersome tax that remaining state businesses that are impacted by will have to deal with.
And we still do not have a budget.
The entire budgetary process has been a comical display of the Omnipotent Connecticut Democrat Party protecting their spoils and patronage system.  And they have said to the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers that no reforms will be forthcoming for at least ten more years and pay more taxes to support us.
I am personally sick of the Connecticut Democrat Party and its political patronage and spoils system.
I also believe that most of the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers are also sick of the Connecticut Democrat Party and its political patronage and spoils system.
I am also believe that Connecticut is on the path of fiscal insolvency and unlimited short and long term debt.
I also believe that we need to start all over again in creating a new state government and state constitution since our current government disregards the rule of law.
Enough is enough.  The Connecticut Democrat Party and its political patronage and spoils system has ruined Connecticut. 

July 22, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

It is now July 22, 2017 and there is no new Connecticut budget.   There is a state union concessions package that allows for ten more years of high salaries, benefits and pensions until 2027.  The unions agreed upon wage freezes for three years followed by two years of 3.5 percent raises plus step increases.  They will also have to contribute 2 percent more toward their pensions, there are no changes to their pension benefits that can increase on a constant basis with cost of living adjustments.  Basically all jobs and benefits are guaranteed for these unions no matter how bad Connecticut's economy becomes as there are no layoffs.  The "savings" is just freezing wages for two years only to increase them in year three by the same amount they were going to get anyways this year. 
Union leaders sent a letter out stating that this agreement was "the best and longest" in the country.  Thus they should ratify it.  Thus so much for any sacrifice on the part of the state unions.  They also want higher taxes on the "wealthy" especially "hedge funds".  This being implemented as law in the past has resulted in those same "wealthy" moving out of state and thus will not pay any more taxes in Connecticut.  That means much lower tax revenues to help support the excesses of our state government.
What does this all mean?  In my economic opinion more of the same.  Connecticut still has a spending problem even with this supposed union concessions package that does little to address excessively high wages, benefits and pensions.  We still over spend in both management and union salaries, benefits and pensions.  We have a Speaker of the House who is employed by a state union and whose only concern seems to be protecting the state unions and Connecticut Taxpayers be damned.   We have no vote on the Republican budget that would have addressed the serious economic issues we have in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Democrat Party again does not understand the magnitude of the economic crisis that the state faces.  Its only concern is to nurture and protect its unions and political ruling class.  It has failed miserably in this legislative session.  The Connecticut Democrat Party is the cancer that has entrapped its hard working legal citizens into an economic morass of no escape.
Will this economic nightmare ever end for Connecticut Taxpayers?  And when will the Connecticut Democrat Party be held liable for the economic damage and turmoil it has done for this state?
Still no budget.  Why bother anyways?

July 15, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

It is now July 15, 2017 and there is no new Connecticut budget.  Nor does it look like there will be one until possibly at the end of the month.  Nor does it seem that our elected officials really care if there is a budget until that time.  The new norm for governing in Connecticut is to do nothing.  Who really cares if the state has $80 to $100 billion dollars of short and long term debt and unfunded liabilities.  Who really cares if the bulk of the state budget now goes for payment of salaries, benefits and pensions for state management and union workers?  I estimate now 25% of the state budget goes for these payments.  Another 10% to 15% goes to debt payments.  And there is still massive debt in the horizon.
We as Connecticut Taxpayers understand we are entrapped by our state government in order to provide for the riches that are heaped upon those who have political connections.  For example why do state retirees get lifetime medical benefits?  Do you receive this in private industry?  Now don't get me wrong I know the Connecticut Democrat Party does not think they have done anything wrong with all of the years of their fiscal mismanagement and political nepotism.  It has been and looks like it will continue to be pay to play the political game even though Connecticut is bankrupt from the years of fiscally irresponsible spending and excessive salaries, benefits and pensions.  In following what our Governor and state legislators have been doing (or not doing) in this session, I wonder why they are even being paid for this debacle?  If this happened in private industry individuals would be fired not political rewarded with high paying positions like Former State Representative Stephen Dargan, D-West Haven with his $92,500 new job in the State Board of Pardons, former State Senator Rob Kane, R-Waterford with his new job as a Republican state auditor for $150,000 a year and former State Senator Eric Coleman, D-Bloomfield becoming a Judge for a mere $168,000 a year.  All funded by you and I Connecticut taxpayers.
Harsh economic decisions are made daily for economic survival by Taxpayers and Businesses that remain here in Connecticut.  Those same harsh economic decisions are avoided by the political elite who have run Connecticut into the ground. And all we hear out of Hartford is garbage and rhetoric.
Next Saturday will be July 22 and there will be no new Connecticut budget. And nobody really cares about it in Hartford any more anyways especially our elected officials.

July 8, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

It is now July 8, 2017 and there is no new Connecticut budget.  Nor does it look like there will be one either even after July 18 the day after the state unions voted on their supposed concession package.  For we do not know whether or not the "concessions package" will be agreed upon by the Connecticut state labor unions.  We know the State Police union refuses to vote upon changes in their wage agreement in the form of a three year wage freeze they have stated they will only vote on benefit concessions.

The budget proposal that the Connecticut Democrat Party is force-feeding on Connecticut Taxpayers includes a 6.99% sales tax.  You wonder why it is not 7%?  Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz will not agree to 7% because then Connecticut would just as high as some other states, 6.99% qualifying as being lower than 7%. Connecticut then would rank below states like New Jersey and Rhode Island that charge 7%.  However, Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz wants to allow cities and towns to charge a 1 percent sales tax on food and drinks at bars, restaurants and other outlets for local revenue.  Thus the sales tax would be 7.99% with this added 1% local tax and be higher than New Jersey and Rhode Island.

My question is reviewing all of the concessions and yet even higher taxes is how is this closing the state budget deficit because the combined supposed savings and increases in tax revenue does not match the budget deficit?  And why wasn't spending cut?  And why wasn't there any discussion in cutting the excessively high salaries, benefits and pensions for state management workers?   

And why can't the balanced budget that was presented by the Republicans that did not enact any new taxes be brought up for a vote in either the House or Senate?

Thus another Connecticut Democrat Party budget that offers higher spending and higher taxes.   Nothing new here.  Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz in his position as a state union employee places the self-interests of the union over the financial needs of the state.  Nothing new here either.  There was no bipartisanship in this budget.  What the Connecticut Democrat Party dictates to Connecticut Taxpayers is what we get.   

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Next Saturday will be July 15 and there will be no new Connecticut budget. Nobody really cares about it in Hartford any more anyways. 

Connecticut's Spending Problem

In 1991 Connecticut's Omnipotent Governor Lowell P. Weicker lied to Connecticut voters and force fed a state income tax on Connecticut Taxpayers to close at that time a $1.5 billion deficit based on a $7.5 billion biannual state budget.  At that time Connecticut's population was approximately 3,301,000 people.
In 2017 Connecticut's Omnipotent Governor Dan Malloy lied to Connecticut voters and force fed two of the largest tax increases on Connecticut Taxpayers over the past six years to close multiple budget deficits.  He also stated in his last reelection bid there was no deficit.  In 2017 we have a $5 billion deficit based on a $40 billion biannual state budget.  At this time Connecticut's population is approximately 3,591,000 people, a gain of roughly 290,000 in 26 years.  Today Connecticut continues to lose population as one of the few states in the country in this situation with 19,581 residents moving out since 2013. 
If one does the math Connecticut state spending has increased by $32.5 billion dollars since the enactment of the state income tax or roughly 435% in spending.  Connecticut's population increase in the same time frame is less than 1%.  Connecticut now has in 2017 short and long term unfunded liabilities along with short and long term debt of $80 to $100 billion dollars with no plan whatsoever to pay this off.
One can argue clearly Connecticut's government and its politicians have a massive and uncontrollable spending problem.  One can argue that Connecticut's government and its politicians control a vast empire of preferred and above market equilibrium salaries, benefits and pensions for both state management and state union workers.  This is the largest increase in state budget spending over the past 26 years fueled by unrealistic and unsustainable salaries, benefits and pensions for both state management and state union workers.  Yet in 2017 we hear no mention in cuts for salaries, benefits and pensions for state management workers, for example full pensions for state judges after five years of work. 
Thus when will cuts in spending for salaries, benefits and pensions for both state management and state union workers take place?  Why and on what does Connecticut's government and its politicians spend an additional 435% since 1991?  The infrastructure of Connecticut has declined dramatically since 1991.  Looking at the DMV for example we see a massive decline in service with enormous waits for basic services and screwed up registrations.  Travelers in the state are not even afforded the use of an indoor bathroom when stopping at our rest stops after 3:30pm.  I wonder if the state capitol workers use portalets when the state legislature is in session to save money?
2017 is once again a turning point for Connecticut.  We hear the same rhetoric from the Connecticut Democrat Party, more spending and more taxes.  No solutions.  Tax the rich will solve all of the state's problem until all of the "rich" move out of state.
Connecticut Taxpayers represent the serfs in the serfdom known as Connecticut again in 2017.  We support the excesses of Connecticut's state government ruling elite.  It has to stop now.  But can it?  It has become boring to watch the total disregard that Connecticut's elected officials have for Connecticut Taxpayers.

Connecticut Does Not Have A Budget

Oh well Connecticut doesn’t have a budget.  A special session has to be called and paid for by Connecticut Taxpayers to resume the secret and public budget negotiations that apparently now include the Republican Party members of the Legislature.  The situation is critical, as Connecticut’s debt grows daily.  Thus what is the solution?

Governor Malloy who crafted two of the largest tax increases in the states history has stated he is ready to run the state without a budget.  All this does is increase the states short-term debt, as it must borrow more money to pay for the day-to-day operations of the state.  Is he crafting now the third largest tax increase in the states history?

There are the constant discussions with labor union for more concessions.  I have heard little as to any concessions from management state workers to help out in this crisis.  For example why our Judges entitled to a full pension after serving for five years?  Why hasn’t the management pension structure been discussed?  Why hasn’t the management salary and benefits structure been discussed? 

Why does the only discussion fall upon raising existing taxes and or creating new taxes for Connecticut Taxpayers?

The Republican proposal addresses some of the issues that the state is facing economically.  It receives little analysis from the states media and seems to be brushed over as not a realistic solution.  The Connecticut Democrat Party now wants bipartisanship on the budget after seeing how their solutions have failed the state and is very worried about their chances for perpetual reelection in 2018.

Thus there continues to be a stalemate.  One side wants more and new taxes versus an overhaul on both union and management salaries, benefits and pensions that are no longer sustainable.  Each side fighting for their stale rhetoric while Connecticut Taxpayers continue to flee the state.  Connecticut is failing while our elected officials posture themselves for their next political payout.

Thus what is the answer?  Connecticut Taxpayers are longing for some coherent leadership to emanate out of Hartford.  For this Legislative session we again see the name calling, union talking points, passing the blame, economic illiteracy and largesse for both union and management workers that define our state government.

I guess again nothing changes for Connecticut Taxpayers who fund this debacle.

It Is Time To Take Back Connecticut In 2018.

Connecticut's Taxpayers Are Serfs In A Serfdom

I have taught economics for many years now.  I continue to be amazed at the lack of basic economics understanding by Connecticut's elected governmental officials and governmental workers.  Especially when it comes to who actually pays for Connecticut's government, its programs, salaries, benefits and pensions.  Thus I feel and many will agree with me that Connecticut's Taxpayers are serfs in a serfdom.
The bulk of the costs of operating Connecticut's government fall directly upon its Taxpayers.  Connecticut's Taxpayers pay a very high rate of taxes in the form of a high state income tax, high and far reaching sales taxes that are implemented on a massive amount of goods and services, a high gasoline tax in both per gallon measurement and on a supposed gross earnings basis, high property taxes if one owns a house, car or boat and numerous fees of all sorts on all types of vendors, professions and activities.  The list of what Connecticut's Taxpayers pay for and on seems endless.  Connecticut's government also receives federal funding for some programs that to me is just a redistribution of the large array of federal taxes that Connecticut's Taxpayers pay each year to our federal government.
Thus the one-two-three punch and impact of local, state and federal taxes that Connecticut's Taxpayers must pay each year for the authorization to be allowed in live in a town or city here in Connecticut is excessively high given what our state government provides for Connecticut's Taxpayers.
For example Connecticut's Taxpayers must endure a massive bureaucracy when dealing with its Department of Motor Vehicles.  Waits of hours on end are a norm for this inefficient state agency that Connecticut's Taxpayers must pay for.  The upper level management of Connecticut's DMV is an example of how Connecticut's political elite and patron age system works with high paying jobs being anointed for those who are ill qualified for their jobs.  The DMV is one agency that could and should be privatized to save Connecticut's Taxpayers money.
The state along with its cities and towns must submit to an antiquated system of binding arbitration for union contracts that are not agreed upon in negotiations.  Thus an impartial arbitrator is authorized to resolve the disagreement between the cities and or towns and the union by ordering a final and binding decision that cannot be changed.  This has created a situation whereby many cities and towns must fear any and all union contract negotiations since if they can't come up with an agreement it goes to arbitration and those same cities and towns normally lose.  Thus they will agree to anything these unions ask for and agree to the contract thus avoiding the costs of binding arbitration.  This drives up the costs of local and state government here in Connecticut.  It should be eliminated immediately.
Connecticut controls the beer, wine and spirits market to prop up small "Mom and Pop" liquor stores  in the state at the expense of the consumer who pay much higher prices for their beer, wine and spirits as compared to other states.  Why does this still exist in 2017?  Due to this retail industry having a strong lobbying group in Hartford that forces the basic laws of supply and demand to be eliminated for the consumer who must pay high prices.  These price controls should be eliminated and the free market should be allowed to occur when a consumer wants to buy these products.  If small stores that are not run economically efficiently go out of business the markets correct themselves.  Doesn't this occur in other industries in Connecticut?  Why is this market so special?
Connecticut has an amendment that was legally voted upon for a constitutional spending cap.  Connecticut's Democrat Attorney General ruled this legal amendment non-binding and illegal.  Why? 
Connecticut's Taxpayers must pay for a bloated salary, benefit and pension system to support Connecticut state government union and management workers.  Depending upon the position one can get a high state pension for life after as little as five years of working.  Some state positions pay a pension for those workers who have not contributed one penny to their pensions.  Some positions allow for you to add the reimbursements of miles driven to your pension calculation.   I ask is this fair and economically rational to burden Connecticut's Taxpayers in this manner?
Connecticut's unfunded liabilities and short and long-term debt is $80 to $100 billion dollars owed with no end in sight.  Connecticut's Taxpayers are burdened with this debt with no solutions being proposed.  Connecticut's Taxpayers must accept this without question.
There is a massive decline in Connecticut due to the nurturing and enhancement of a political ruling class that consists of our elected officials and union and management state government workers especially since the enactment of the state income tax in 1991.  Since 1991 Connecticut has been in a perpetual decline with losses in business, jobs and population at a frightening pace due to excessively high taxes.  And the spiral still continues in 2017 with an ineffective state legislature and Governor whose only concerns seem to continuing to enrich the political hierarchy and state union and management workers.  26 years of a self induced economic debacle due to our elected officials making poor economic decisions on a daily basis.
Connecticut's Taxpayers are serfs in serfdom.  Connecticut's Taxpayers must pay an unlimited amount of taxes and are bonded and enslaved to their meager properties to support the manorial system of Connecticut's political ruling elite and its union and management workers.  Connecticut's Taxpayers end their bondage to the state by moving out and in many cases never coming back.  Connecticut's Taxpayers are sick of supporting a ruling elite minority who hide and disregard the laws and constitution of Connecticut for their personal enrichment. Talk is cheap and we continue to hear the cheap talk of Connecticut's ruling elite over and over again.  Connecticut's Taxpayers are serfs in serfdom.   I want my freedom again.

Connecticut's Economic Mess Continues

Connecticut has a dysfunctional government.  It is illogical and irrational.  Its only concern is to maintain a high level of salaries, benefits and pensions for both its union and management workers.  It is poor in providing functional and efficient services for Connecticut Taxpayers that Connecticut Taxpayers must pay for.  One can look to the inefficient and dysfunctional Department of Motor Vehicles as an example of the true ineptness of our state agencies.  Our state government nurtures a climate of political patronage and corruption funded on the broken backs of the overtaxed Connecticut Taxpayer.  And our elected officials in particular especially the elitist and omnipotent Connecticut Democrat Party are in total denial that there is anything wrong with this reality.
Our state is in and has been and will be for the near future in an economic catastrophe that the Connecticut Democrat Party has nurtured and promoted for years now.
And in 2017 we see no difference as the Connecticut Democrat Party wants still more spending and more taxes to resolve our now annual economic crisis.  The Connecticut Democrat Party really does not care about anything other than preserving the political status quo of patronage and corruption paid for by you and I the Connecticut Taxpayer.
Thus do we have any solutions to our economic mess?  None that I can really see any more as we are told constantly that we have a problem with taxpayers and businesses continuing to move out of state due to a poor business climate, a poor infrastructure, excessively high workers compensation costs and excessively high taxes yet we will continue to raise and create new taxes so that this trend just continues over and over again.  No answers are provided either by the elitists in Hartford to resolve our alarming debt crisis which is ballooning daily.  Our short and long debt along with unfunded liabilities is fast approaching $100 billion dollars with no end in sight.  And no plan to pay it off.
The 2017 legislative session is turning out to be just like every one since Dan Malloy took office.  More and higher taxes, more and higher state spending, more economic garbage thrown at Connecticut Taxpayers.  The carnage needs to stop at some point. 

Connecticut's Debt Downgraded-Oh Well Let's Borrow More!

Oh well!  Connecticut's Debt got downgraded again by Fitch Ratings, Inc.  No big deal to drop now to A+ from AA-- meaning that the state will pay higher interest rates to borrow money.  No big deal since it is now only the fourth downgrade since last May.  No big deal that the Moody's Rating Agency has given Connecticut a "negative" outlook.  All this means for Connecticut Taxpayers is that is will cost more money in interest payments for the massive debt Connecticut has.  It is difficult to obtain actual figures as to how much short and long term debt and liabilities the state has.  I estimate it to be a mere $60 to $80 billion dollars.  That is an incredible amount for a state as small as Connecticut.  However given our current Omnipotent One Party Rule in Hartford it is not surprising.
Connecticut with the blessings of Governor Malloy borrowed another $1.5 billion dollars in bonds yesterday for all sorts of pet projects both current and past further increasing Connecticut's massive debt load.  It was refreshing to see Sen. Scott Frantz of Greenwich and Rep. Chris Davis of Ellington disagreeing with this additional borrowing only to be ridiculed by Governor Malloy.
Some new projects that will be funded with your tax monies include:
from http://www.ct.gov/opm/lib/opm/Agenda_May12_2017.pdf
$121.2 million for upgrades to state office buildings, courthouses, prisons, and vocational-technical schools; Connecticut Valley Hospital; the Veterans’ Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill; and for a new parking garage at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.
$78.3 million for transportation project planning and maintenance.
$34.7 million in grants and loans for business expansion-which businesses are unknown by reading the agenda.
$19.8 million for improvements to the business district in Hartford’s North End.
$19.1 million for affordable housing and emergency mortgage assistance programs.
Connecticut continues to run a deficit and is in a fiscal crisis.  Our elected officials response is continue spend money.  To continue to borrow money at a higher cost.
Fiscal conservatism does not exist in our state.  Face it Connecticut is bankrupt and will be for the foreseeable future.  Thanks to our ruling political elite.

Connecticut Taxpayers Have Faced Grim Reality For Years Now

Connecticut Taxpayers are a strong lot.  Connecticut Taxpayers keep being punished over and over again.  Connecticut Taxpayers are despised by the Connecticut Democrat Party for not paying enough taxes especially those who supposedly make a great deal of money.   Connecticut Taxpayers were told that the two highest tax increases in Connecticut's history were going to solve all of the economic woes of the state.  Connecticut Taxpayers were told there was no budget deficit in the last Gubernatorial campaign.  Connecticut Taxpayers are shouted down when questioning why their taxes go to support illegal immigrants in the sanctuary cities that are propped up financially by the state.   Connecticut Taxpayers question why it is illegal to have a free market system to purchase their wine and beer in the state so that prices could go down.  Connecticut Taxpayers are detested by paid state lobbyists for questioning their role in running up the costs of state government through their pet state funded projects and laws.  Connecticut Taxpayers are further insulted by having to pay for a program to fund candidates running for election every two years so that there is more "equity" in our elections.  Connecticut Taxpayers have to use the Freedom of Information Act to find out in many cases how much the state is spending on certain items and projects.  Connecticut Taxpayers voted for a Constitutional Amendment to have a balanced budget which in turn is ruled "illegal" by a Democrat Attorney General.  Connecticut Taxpayers must support a bloated salary, benefit and pension spoils system that benefits a ruling management and union elite.  Connecticut Taxpayers when wanting reform in that same bloated salary, benefit and pension spoils system that benefits a ruling management and union elite are shouted down and ridiculed.
Connecticut Taxpayers have been lied to over and over again since the enactment of the Utopian state income tax.  Connecticut Taxpayers hear the same rhetoric every year, new and higher taxes will solve all of Connecticut's problems.
Connecticut Taxpayers have faced a grim reality for years now.  Their elected officials only concern is themselves and the political spoils system they protect.  It did not change in 1991 nor will it change in 2017.
Connecticut Taxpayers will be facing another round of tax increases in a few weeks.  And Connecticut Taxpayers will be hearing about the new budget deficits that still have yet to have been addressed at the end of 2017.  Connecticut Taxpayers will be told they are not paying enough in taxes in 2018.
And the story line remains the same.  Thus Connecticut declares itself economically, politically and legally bankrupt in 2018.  Then and only then will the political spoils system that rules Connecticut with an iron hand declares full and ultimate victory over Connecticut Taxpayers.

New Budget. No New Or Higher Taxes

Connecticut's Legislature has a decision to make in this years budget.  They need to cut spending drastically.  They need to cut wages, benefits and pensions for both union and management workers.  They need to address the issues of $60 to $80 billion dollars of long term debt.  They need to understand why Connecticut ranks near last in too many economic and business well being categories.  They need to stop protecting and nurturing a ruling elite political hierarchy that has done little other than pad their own economic pockets at the expense of Connecticut Taxpayers. They need to become realistic about the amount of nepotism and corruption that is deemed a normal way of doing business in our state government.
The Republicans offered their own budget plan this week.  It was a refreshing breath of economic fresh air that was immediately condemned by State Democrat Legislators but not by lame duck Governor Dan Malloy.  The Republican plan was far reaching as it offered no new or higher taxes in the budget.  It still wants $1.5 billion in concessions from the state employee labor unions.  It eliminates grants for public financing of campaigns under the failed Citizens Election program. 
It streamlines many bloated state agencies eliminating many positions that have done little for our state.  It provides for a much more coherent, effective and smaller state government to actually bring back the state from its economic decline.
In my economic opinion it is a long overdue budget presented by the Republicans and needs to be addressed immediately.  The Connecticut Democrat Party has for too many years disrespected Connecticut Taxpayers.  Their tax and spend policies have driven Connecticut to near economic ruin.  For the economic turmoil they have created over the past 30 years the Connecticut Democrat Party should and will become a minority party in the 2018 elections.
Connecticut Taxpayers should bombard their legislators especially if they are represented by a Democrat and voice their support for this Republican budget proposal.  Let us finally address our states economic crisis and resolve it once and for all.
It Is Time To Take Back Connecticut in 2018.

Maybe Connecticut Democrats Could Listen Just Once and Hear The Cries of No New Taxes-No Increased Taxes

Maybe just once the Connecticut Democrat Party could listen to the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers in the state and hear their cries of no more new taxes and no more increases in state taxes.
Maybe just once in all of the years that the Connecticut Democrat Party has led the state to fiscal ruin they could in 2017 place taxpayers interests first and cut spending and not raise taxes.  Maybe just once in all of the years that the Connecticut Democrat Party has led the state to fiscal ruin they could in 2017 adjust the bloated salary, benefit and pension structures for their buddies who they got state jobs for.  Maybe just once in all of the years that the Connecticut Democrat Party has led the state to fiscal ruin they could in 2017 work on eliminating the corruption that exists in state government.  Maybe just once in all of the years that the Connecticut Democrat Party has led the state to fiscal ruin they could in 2017 follow the Constitutional Spending Cap Law that voters legally voted upon. Maybe just once in all of the years that the Connecticut Democrat Party has led the state to fiscal ruin they could in 2017 not even think about taxing legal non profits in the state. 
Maybe just once in all of the years that the Connecticut Democrat Party has led the state to fiscal ruin they could in 2017 see that Connecticut Taxpayers have had enough.  Enough of the Connecticut Democrat Party's lies and theft from Connecticut Taxpayers.
We need a balanced budget that cuts spending, cuts taxes and starts to address the bloated salary, benefit and pension structure of our state management, union and non union workers.  We can not afford another state budget that raises taxes yet again.  We need the Republicans to be brought to the budget negotiating table and be allowed to offer constructive plans for the budget.
Connecticut Taxpayers deserve much better than the Connecticut Democrat Party's brand of elite socialism that is force fed to us year-in and year-out.  More and new and higher taxes do not do anything other than drive more and more Taxpayers and Businesses out of the state.  How stupid is the Connecticut Democrat Party? 
Taxation without representation in 2017.  We fought a war back in 1776 over it.  Do we need to fight another economic war in 2017 to survive in Connecticut?
It is time to take back Connecticut.  Now.

Good Riddance Governor Dan Malloy. Too bad you don't resign now.

Good riddance Dan Malloy.  He is not running for a third term as Governor of Connecticut.  But now we have 20 more long hard months of a lame duck do nothing Governor.  However, Malloy can still do a great deal of damage for the state over the next 20 months.  He can still raise taxes.  He can still impose draconian socialist laws.  He can still fund raise and shake down the remaining Connecticut businesses to donate to Connecticut's Socialist Democrat Party and their omnipotent one party rule.  He can still condemn the Connecticut Republican Party for not doing anything on the state budget even though they are not allowed be part of the state budget negotiations.  He can still harbor, nurture and give state benefits to the large Connecticut illegal immigration population.  He can get his political cronies into state jobs that pay high salaries, benefits and pensions with little oversight and or productivity expected.  He can spread false job creation reports.  He can still claim how great of a job he has done with the states economy even though Connecticut is last or near last in most economic categories in the country.  He can still blame former Governors for the economic mess he inherited even though he implemented the two largest tax increases in the states history.  He can still move money off budget to claim a balanced budget while also stating (as he did when he ran for reelection) there was and is no budget deficit.  He can still travel around the country as head of the Governors Association and condemn any and all Republican states, ideas, policies and most importantly fiscal conservatism at all times. 
And above all he can receive a massive Connecticut Taxpayers funded pension for the eight year mess he created for Connecticut while comfortably living in a low taxed tax in the future that does not have a state income tax. I am confident that this will be Governor Malloy's agenda for the next long and economically hard 20 months he will still be our socialist Governor.
Governor Malloy in my opinion is what is wrong with our political system in 2017.  He represents why President Trump is our President today.  Malloy is a political hack who did little for the city of Stamford as Mayor and has run Connecticut into a morass of economic lies, deceptions, high taxes and excessive debt.  He has basically ruined Connecticut.
Malloy has been a socialist Governor.  He is disliked and seems to hold a great deal of contempt for Connecticut Taxpayers.  His high tax and spend programs that have enriched his political contributors and friends have failed Connecticut miserably. 
Connecticut needs a much a better government in all departments.  Connecticut needs a checks and balances system to govern.  Connecticut needs much more honest and ethical people to both work in state agencies and to actually represent Connecticut Taxpayers.  In 2017 with the exception of a handful of Republican legislators such State Senators Len Suzio and Joe Markley our State House and State Senate needs a complete overhaul. 
The great socialistic experiment called Connecticut is an abysmal failure.  Let us hope that both economic and personal freedom can be restored sometime in the near future.
Good riddance Dan Malloy.  And good riddance to the Connecticut Democrat Party in 2018 as it is and will be finally time to take back Connecticut in 2018.  I hope it is not too late.

The State of Connecticut Pension Crisis

The State of Connecticut has a pension crisis.  You really would not know it because this legislative session has brought us mostly the same rhetoric from the controlling Connecticut Democrat Party legislators.  Higher taxes now tolls will solve all of the states problems.  This is the same rhetoric we heard when the controlling Connecticut Democrat Party legislators under the blessings of traveling Governor Dan Malloy forced down Connecticut Taxpayers throats the two largest tax increases in the states history over the past four years.  As a reminder to the controlling Connecticut Democrat Party legislators those two largest tax increases were supposed to resolve all of the state's never ending budget deficits.  That was another myth and lie forced down Connecticut Taxpayers throats by the controlling Connecticut Democrat Party legislators.  We have still a massive budget deficit but more importantly we a never ending pension crisis that kicks the actual payments for these pensions to 2032 with an economically irrational plan Governor Malloy has championed this session.  Thus we continue to remortgage Connecticut's economic future with continued horrific tax, borrow and spend programs that increase both short and long debt along with unfunded liabilities that now are at $60 to $80 billion dollars and rising.
There still is no plan to address this short and long term debt.
The Yankee Institute (http://www.yankeeinstitute.org/2017/04/1030-state-retirees-have-pensions-over-100000/) has published several policy briefs with regards to Connecticut employees fringe benefits, salaries and pensions.   Their analysis should shock even the most liberal Connecticut Democrat Party member.  1,030 state retirees have pensions over $100,000 per year.  Why?  What made their role in their State of Connecticut employment so important that they receive this kind of pension.  Did any of them have any role in the long decline of Connecticut's economy through their work and policies?  Was there any political patronage in how they received their employment with the state?  The questions that the lifeless Democrat Connecticut media should be asking is why are these pensions so high?  Why do retirees have lifetime medical benefits?  Why must Connecticut Taxpayers pay over $2.5 billion dollars a year to 52,333 state retirees in pensions and health care benefits?  No answers from the political elite in Hartford.  After all why change a skewed system that benefits a ruling political elite. 
The State of Connecticut has and will continue to have a pension crisis.  It is time for real reform in these out-of-touch with economic reality pensions and benefits.  How about a freeze for two years on all automatic cost-of-living increases?  How about an increase in the costs of their free and or subsidized health insurance?
But as we know all along Connecticut Taxpayers will continue to be used and abused by the controlling Connecticut Democrat Party in 2017.  We hear the same story over and over again when those politically connected get their lifetime Connecticut state job at a high salary that can lead them into their golden Connecticut Taxpayer funded pension for the rest of their lives.  And as a final insult to Connecticut Taxpayers many of these same politically connected retirees move to a low tax state to enjoy it.
What a waste of economic productivity and taxpayers monies here in economically depressed Connecticut.  Our state government and it salary, benefit and pension structure needs a complete overhaul.  It is time to take back Connecticut in 2018.