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.

Where Is The Presidential Leadership?

Or how many more crisis will Mr.Obama avoid? And why does he have to travel so much at taxpayers expense knowing we have a $14 trillion dollar national debt? Does he receive that many votes from foreigners voting in our upcoming Presidential election in 2012? By not saying anything about the Middle East, excessive inflation, the national debt, his irrational national health care plan or the new energy crisis does he really think he will receive more votes that way? Will he really raise that much more money by avoiding all situations where he must make a decision? Can he make a decision? Is the mood of hope and change long gone? Was it made up by a loving media? Was there any leadership at all with massive spending programs being rammed down taxpayers pocketbooks with no dialogue or discussion? Are we really better off in 2011 or have we set back our economy years with misguided, economically illogical spending programs?
Will we be able to recover as an economy in 2013 with a new President and Congress who actually lead and make coherent economic decisions? I trust that we will be better off with a massive change in Washington, but for now the silence is deafening. And America needs to be a leader again in world and economic affairs once again. Those who are willing to give their lives for freedom can't wait any longer.

Where Are Connecticut's Jobs?

I do not know I can't find them. Where are Connecticut's Jobs? I have looked everywhere. I have looked for them from all of the business and industries that have moved out of state. I have looked for them in the State Attorney General/New US Senator offices. I have looked for them through the massive amount of paid lobbyists in Hartford. I have looked for them in the Democratic Super Majority offices. I have looked for them in all of the tax laws that we have here. I have looked for them in the new state budget which increases spending another 2.4%. I have looked for them in all of the unfunded liabilities that the state has to pay in the future. I have looked for them in the state university system. I have looked for them through new tolls and taxes that are coming to our state. I have looked for them following all of the young people who are and have moved out of state. I keep looking for them and I can't find them. I guess I am looking for them in all of the wrong places. I guess I am looking for jobs from the economically illiterate sector of our economy, Hartford. I can't find them, I can not find those jobs. But I can find high taxes, oppressive business regulations, losses of our best and brightest moving out of state,coming instate tuition for illegal immigrants, coming repeal of the death penalty, losses of business and industries due to high taxes, high transportation costs, high workers compensation costs and future massive unfunded liabilities. Where Are Connecticut's Jobs? Lost and gone forever?

What Leadership?

I look at Wisconsin and their government in amazement. Limits in public sector union power, lower state spending, lower taxes in some cases, local governments being given more rights and less mandates and a Democratic party which shows absolutely no values, leadership, or abilities to govern. I see a powerful Governor who is willing to make decisions which will move his state forward with a stronger economy and economic growth for the future. A state which leads by example.
Do you see any of this in Connecticut? Public sector unions whose power should be questioned, higher state spending, much higher taxes, more local unfunded mandates and also a Democratic party which shows absolutely no values, leadership, or abilities to govern. I do not see a powerful Governor who is willing to make decisions which will move his state forward with a stronger economy and economic growth for the future. A state which leads by economic illiteracy is what we have instead.
What leadership? I see none in Connecticut.

More Of The Same

Hartford is just more of the same. Where is the new economic thought? Where are the economic dynamics to transform Connecticut's economy into a robust and vibrant entity? Where are the cuts to state spending? Where are the lessening of state regulations and laws which negate economic growth and prosperity in our economy? Where is the leadership economically?
In my economic opinion all I can see is more of the same, excessively high spending with now even higher taxes on everything purchased plus some new tolls thrown in. Why? What does the Malloy plan create and prove? More of the same. More of our best and brightest moving out. More of our business and industry moving out. More special interest lobbying groups dictating to taxpayers what they can and can not have. More social welfare spending which does nothing to empower those in our economy. More stale rhetoric by misguided economically illiterate paid professional politicians in Hartford.

The Confusion Of Higher Taxes In Connecticut

Politicians seemed to be confused by higher taxes. As being non productive members of our economy and society, politicians especially here in Connecticut, believe that higher taxes solve all problems. Their confusion stems from the fact that they are part of the larger problem in our state economy, they produce and contribute virtually nothing to our well being and economic growth to our economy. They instead entrap and trick our productive members of our economy to be enslaved in a quasi sociological-political-economic-legal system which does little to empower those who have less and takes away from those who are productive. Those who are productive work hard for a living, developing productivity to make the economy run and pay an excessive amount of taxes to support an out-of-balance state government which elevates those who work for it with massive salaries and benefits. These same salaries and benefits are earned by a minority of the population of our state. Approximately 100,000 full and part time workers in a state of 3,500,00 people. You can do the math, .028% of the population. Thus .028% are allowed to dictate what the other 97.2% can and can not have. Is there excess and waste in this area? Those who have less or are poor in political terms enjoy many free things granted by these same ruling politicians and are paid for by those who are productive in our state economy. They have little if any incentive to end these freebies granted to them by our non productive politicians because votes can be bought in this manner legally.
Thus we have a continuing dilemma, how to keep this small ruling political and union elite in power in Hartford and paid for by those who are productive. How we can tax them even more to keep unions comfortable and the Super Democratic Majority unaccountable for their poor and disgusting actions. It is almost the same scenario that we had when we broke away from England in 1776, taxation without representation. In my economic opinion there is a great deal of confusion to higher taxes in Connecticut.

So What Else Can We Tax?

I am curious as to what else we can tax in Connecticut? Our economy apparently will be stimulated by increasing state spending by 2.4% and by increasing taxes by $1.5 billion dollars. And our Governor feels we are going to be more competitive with these increased taxes than New Jersey which is actually attempting to reign in spending, taxes and public sector unions. Thus the Democratic Super Majority in Hartford wants us to believe that both higher taxes and higher spending will cure Connecticut's economic ills (not that it has for the past 20 years). It is this disconnect of economic reality which continues to be endorsed by the Democratic Super Majority and by the state media.
Let me be blunt, this tax and spend program by our new Governor fails any economic test and fails to do anything for our economy other than worsen it. It is a typical liberal misguided and ill conceived tax program which will further erode our state economy and continue to create more economic discontent. All for the sake of a continuing failed liberal social program that does nothing for our state.
So Mr. Malloy keep taxing and spending, the end result will be yet another economic debacle solely of your making and of your blame.

Can We Have Leadership? Can We Have...?

Can we have leadership? Can we have a Christie type in Hartford that can actually govern this state out of its fiscal debacle? Can we have compromise? Can we have lower taxes? Can we have private sector job growth and creation? Can we have realistic cuts in state spending? Can we have elimination of agencies which do nothing for the betterment of the state? Can we no longer have corruption and nepotism in state government? Can we see some signs of a stronger, actual two party system exist when election time nears? Can we have a balance of ideas in the state legislature? Can we have a full audit of productivity of all state governmental programs? Can we have a full accounting audit of all state governmental programs? Can we eliminate in state tuition for illegal immigrants? Can we ever have a functional government not run by special interest groups or lobbyists in Hartford?
Why are we not ashamed of what exists as so called government in Hartford? It truly disgusts me especially with the Malloy budget proposal. And when will the economic debacle end?

Vote Today For Len Suzio For State Senator

Today please vote for Len Suzio in the 13th State Senatorial District. He is a hard working individual who is ethical and he is what is needed to represent this district.
He believes in cutting spending and not raising taxes, a philosophy lost by the Democratic Super Majority in Hartford. His talents in Hartford are essential if we are going to get Connecticut working again and make our state once again vibrant economically.
Poor government has gone on for too long in Connecticut. The current budget debacle is proof once again of the lack of economic reality that exists there.
Vote today to elect Len Suzio for the 13th State Senatorial District. Vote for Mr.Suzio. He will not disgrace taxpayers like Mr. Gaffey did.

Mr. Malloy's New Toys

Raise spending by 2.4% and raise taxes by $1.5 billion dollars and call it being more economically competitive? Overuse the term "shared sacrifice"-why what did middle income taxpayers do wrong? Pander to lobbyists, special interest groups and unions, then slam middle income taxpayers and businesses once again.
Mr. Malloy has new toys in Hartford. His toys include economic illiteracy, economic fantasies and an economic debacle in the making. How can he raise taxes by $1.5 billion dollars in the middle of a severe economic recession and state that this will help the economy? How can he raise spending by yet another 2.4% and state he is fiscally responsible?
Mr. Malloy and his Democratic Super Majority in Hartford haven proven once again their economic ignorance, their dislike for middle and higher income taxpayers and for businesses in Connecticut. There total disregard for our current economic situation is really sickening. Connecticut truly will be entering a new economic dark age with this administration and budget. It is a pathetic sight to bestow upon us. We are going to vote with our feet and flee this economic wasteland of a state.

Spend-Let Us Spend Some More

On a Federal level, let us spend, let us spend some more. Mr. Obama's new budget amazes me. Let us bring up the national debt another $8 trillion dollars or so and call it fiscally responsible. This would bring up the national debt to 77% as a share of our economy from the current 62%. Entitlement program cuts are non existent. A wide array of mythical revenue increases pepper this budget. And what did we get from the new centrist Obama? More of the same, massive spending in governmental programs, continued high taxes and a crushing debt which will continue to wreak havoc with our long term economic growth and survival.
What about cutting spending is so difficult for the Democratic party to understand? Why must money continue to fund ineffective and corrupt entitlement programs? When will the national debt question be addressed and a program developed to eliminate it?
But alas, taxpayers realize the debacle called government. Their economic illiteracy is astounding. Cut spending now. It is our only chance for economic survival in 2011.

Another $18 Billion Wasted

Hey what is $18 billion dollars to the federal government? When you are already $14 trillion dollars in debt? No big deal. A recent article in USA Today discussed that there we are spending $18 billion dollars on over 47 separate job training agencies and for the most part no one knows where the money is going. And we have 9.5% unemployment with probably another 9.5% who are permanently unemployed also. So what is the big deal? How many government programs are actually reviewed and audited? 1% maybe at the most? And when you are buying votes to stay into power forever what is the difference?
Here is just another example of government waste of taxpayers monies. Government at all levels can ill afford to waste even $1 dollar never mind $18 billion dollars. And then see absolutely no results to help create jobs and or lower the rate of unemployment.
My question to Congress is when will the waste end? We have run out of time for action.
Here is the link to the article http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-02-09-1Ajobtraining09_ST_N.htm

Len Suzio For State Senator

Len Suzio deserves your vote if you live in the 13th State Senatorial District. A hard working man who has great scruples and ethics, he is what is needed to represent the 13th Senatorial District. He is a principled individual who has strong beliefs in bettering Hartford. He along with many in his district continue to be outraged by the poor government we have in Hartford. He believes in cutting spending and not raising taxes, a philosophy lost by the Democratic Super Majority in Hartford. His talents in Hartford are essential if we are going to get Connecticut working again and make our state once again vibrant economically.
The time has come to elect Len Suzio for the 13th State Senatorial District. Vote for Mr.Suzio in the upcoming special election. He will not disgrace taxpayers like Mr. Gaffey did.

Does This Make Sense? We Still Need To Repeal

Does this letter make sense, in my economic opinion we still need to repeal Obamacare, our Representatives arguments really fall far short. Her same stale liberal arguments make no economic sense to me any more.

Dear Mr. Swick:



Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue.



As you know, Republicans in Congress recently brought to the House floor legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, the landmark legislation that is strengthening our nation's health care system and is making great strides in ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. A repeal of this law would mean that once again children could be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions; people could be dropped from their insurance when they get sick; women could be charged more than men for the same coverage; young adults under 26 may not be able to stay on their parent's insurance; and small businesses and working families would no longer receive affordability credits to help them afford the cost of coverage.



Specifically if the Affordable Care Act was repealed, 1.2 million young adults would lose their insurance coverage through their parents' health plans. Over 165 million Americans with private insurance coverage would suddenly find themselves vulnerable again to having lifetime limits placed on how much insurance companies will spend on their health care, regardless of what treatments may be necessary and life saving. In addition, 44.1 million seniors, 547,000 in Connecticut alone, who have Medicare coverage would be forced to pay a co-pay to receive critical preventive services and more than 32,000 Connecticut seniors would have significantly higher prescription drug costs. Moreover, despite all of the Republican rhetoric about deficit reduction, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the repeal of the new health care law would increase the deficit by $230 billion.



You should know that I voted against this legislation when it passed the House by a vote of 245 to 189. This bill is nothing but a political ploy at a time when we should be focused on creating jobs and strengthening our country's economy, middle class, and small businesses.



Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me on this or any matter of concern to you in the future.






Sincerely,
Rosa L. DeLauro
Member of Congress

Economic Nonsense

Economic nonsense. Economic gibberish. Economic rhetoric. Economic debacles. All of the above.
I just can't help but notice the economic non reality of now the even newer Obama Administration strangely moving to yet an even new direction is desperation to save his Presidency and to get reelected. Why do we need yet another stimulus plan? Neither of the other worked, nor did they do anything other than add to the National Debt. How is this plan going to actually employ one out of every five construction workers? Are these workers going to working on never ending infrastructure projects ripe with cost overruns, nepotism and fraud? Where is the private sector in all of this? Hasn't the private sector been crucified enough in the first two years of his Administration? Now all of a sudden Obama is their friend?
This Administration continues to reside over an economic debacle with no rhyme or reason, policies change in the wind, and the same stale liberalism is present with this latest State of the Union speech.
Economic nonsense. Economic gibberish. Economic rhetoric. Economic debacles. It remains all of the above for this one term President.

Sunday's Economics-Government Must Spend Less

It is a simple concept, government at all levels must contract and spend less money. A great deal less money. Our Federal government must develop a plan to pay off the National Debt, the debt continues to drain our credit markets and rips economic growth from our economy. I am glad to see a mounting movement towards the debate on the national debt. I personally have been lecturing about it in my classes since the first semester that I taught in 1982. The National Debt needs to be paid off. If it was then paid off, we would see incredible economic growth in our economy rather than the looming bankruptcy with a $14 trillion dollar debt.
Connecticut economically is a mess. We hear and see the economic behaviors take place of higher taxes, overpaid non productive political appointments and increased spending. The blame for this economic debacle falls squarely on the Democratic Super Majority. For Connecticut to survive we need to cut taxes to attract new business and industry, a massive cut in state spending and agencies, and a cut in state employee pensions and benefits. It needs to be addressed or we will really go bankrupt.
I reiterate, it is a simple concept, government at all levels must contract and spend less money. A great deal less money. Economic self sufficiency should be a required tool of secondary education. Then we can get back on the right track and see the United States of America and its fifty states, once again a dynamic, economic leader of the world economy. God Bless America.

Saturday's Economics

Will Connecticut actually cut spending? At first look, the Malloy Administration has taken care of some of the Super Democratic Majority cronies in plush Administrative positions. For example, Rep. Mike Lawlor, one of the most liberal tax and spend Representative the state had ever seen, will now earn $135,000 as Office of Policy and Management undersecretary of criminal justice policy and planning. Taxpayers should ask why? Why does he deserve that job and what is actual criminal justice policy and planning? Mr. Lawlor is vehemently against the death penalty, thus criminals should be able to be free to do what they want for the next four years here in Connecticut, until justice actually is served. What does the $135,000 actually give to taxpayers? How few employees will he actually manage? And the list of questions is economically endless.
For those who thought things would be economically different as far as political patronage jobs in this Administration you were wrong. Elite political types in these offices have help to create and continue the economic wasteland called Connecticut. We will now accelerate that economic decline more quickly through the now stale Malloy Administration, who actually could have broken this cycle with reforms.
On Sunday a wrap up...

Friday's Economics

Have you paid enough state taxes? Get ready to hear about the bad, share the pain, dysfunctional, economically irrational, economic illiterate state budget deficit. Get ready to hear about the $70 billion dollars worth of unfunded liabilities with only $16 billion in assets. Get ready to hear how Connecticut is near bankruptcy, now ranking in the top five states for debt in the country. Get ready to hear whose fault is it especially when we hear the blame is on the taxpayers of the state because they refuse to pay more in taxes than they already do. Get ready to hear that the Democratic Super Majority for years had no idea that anything was wrong financially with state. Get ready for one of the largest economic debacles our country has ever seen explode in Hartford over the next few weeks.
Why? Why has this state been economically mismanaged for so many years? And when will voters wake up and truly blame the continuing Democratic Super Majority for the mess they put us in? When?
On Saturday more negative economic news.....

Thursday's Economics

Obamacare. Economically Obamacare is a nightmare. If one looks at our neighbors next to us In Massachusetts one will see the future and future economic debacle from this socialized health care plan. Is the plan working there? Economically no. Due to the fact that there is little if any competition in the markets and the taxes for those individuals who constitutionally do choose not to have health insurance (but will pay themselves) is staggering. Thus why are we adding this burden to the economy at this time of recession?
Medicaid costs for states will skyrocket with rationed health care the only way for this plan to work economically since there is not enough money anywhere to cover it especially with the fiscal situation most states are in.
This year alone insurance premiums are rising dramatically from this new bill before implementation. What about the $500 billion in new taxes it creates? What about the 150 new boards and commissions created-where is the money going to come for that and what is the purpose of all of these boards and commissions? What about the new, costly unfunded mandates on our states many of which are broke already? And the list is literally endless of economic debacles that this bill has created.
Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to repeal it. Obamacare needs to be repealed for there is no possible way it logically does anything to help our medical care system and there is no possible way it can be afforded. End this economic debacle now.
Friday...again have you paid enough for your ....

Wednesday's Economics

Local politics is an unique mix of personalities, ideas and ideologies. Those who are fortunate to live in Wallingford enjoy a good blend of politics and politicians. Our Mayor, Bill Dickinson, shows little emotion or fear of criticism. His job is being a strong, conservative Mayor who leads by example and thrift. A majority of taxpayers/voters endorse him each election and or embrace his views. A small minority, at the drop of a hat, condemn his every move. That is the nature of local politics. We are also fortunate there are a good mix of economically conservative officials from both sides of the political spectrum. What becomes disastrous for most towns and cities especially here in Connecticut is the reliance upon a regressive property tax and the bait and switch tactics of state funding. The state loves to mandate programs and then pull the funding from them down the road. Also most towns and cities budgets are dollar excessive to Education budgets, salaries and benefits for municipal employees.
Many others towns and cities are poorly managed economically as compared to Wallingford. Mayor Dickinson loved by the majority and hated by a small minority continues to exhibit economic common sense and is pure in his economic brilliance as an elected official in this state. A cost benefit analysis void of political overtones is utilized for every decision in our town. That is why Wallingford is the economic example that all other municipalities should be following.
On Thursday, the economic horrors of Obamacare....

Tuesday's Economics

Connecticut is horribly in debt. Economically it is hard to comprehend how Connecticut's politicians were able to get taxpayers into a $3.5 billion dollar + hole but they did. The debt of our state is economically unmanageable-it can not be paid off through higher taxes nor can it be borrowed and paid back that way. Connecticut's economy lags in many different areas thus helping to keep us in a recession for a much longer period of time than other states. The reasons are obvious; we have too high state taxes, we have a poor transportation infrastructure, high transportation costs, high workers compensation costs, and high property taxes to name just a few issues.
What can be done? If I was the new Governor I would take the painfully political approach of contracting state government. For my new fiscal year budget I would cut spending across the board by 10-14%. This would prove to be painful for the bureaucrats and lobbyists who run Hartford but would be the first step to resolving the states economic nightmare. Yes, state jobs would be cut. Yes, state programs would be cut. Yes, there would be shared "pain". However only through the contraction of state government would this $3.5 billion dollar debt start to be reduced and some economic light would be seen at the end of the tunnel. Can this happen? Yes. Will it happen? I am not optimistic, I am preparing to hear how much higher we are going to tax supposed rich people in our state (before they move) and tax businesses more. It is stale economic policy which will keep us mired in this economic debacle called Connecticut.
Wednesday a look at economic and politics on a local level...

Monday's Economics

I am going to do something different this week. For the next seven days I am going to talk about economics and politics.
The 2012 Presidential campaign should start to be heating up over the next few weeks. And why not? It is only 23 months away for candidates to start to pound away at all of the great social and corporate welfare programs that our government supports, to tell us why they are needed, why our taxes must go up to support them and why only they can lead our country.
Our next President, in my economic opinion needs to come from private industry, we can ill afford economically another President who has absolutely no experience in dealing with economic issues and problems. Taxpayers can't afford it.
It is also interesting to see that this next campaign should cost both sides at least $1 billion dollars each. Talk about non productive money in our economy. Why spend money in a media that condemns you and your policies (although not Mr. Obama-see Linda McMahon as an example)? It is economically illogical. Why can't economic issues be the focus of the next campaign and a real dialogue exist on them? Remember our national debt is $14 TRILLION DOLLARS and counting-what is the plan to pay it off?
On Tuesday....more politics and economics....from Hartford....

Cop A Plea, Get A Pension

Or if you live in Connecticut you can be a State Senator and be above the law. When is state government going to reign in their corruption? Or is this not possible under the current political system we have? Why was Mr. Gaffey enabled and protected for such a long time under taxpayers monies? And why are we now being asked by the new Governor to have shared pain and suffering? Hasn't this form of government created enough pain and suffering for all taxpayers in the state? What did I do or any hard working citizen do to contribute to the economic illiteracy and corruption that has help to create the current $3.5 billion dollar budget deficit? And thus why must I pay more for the political and economic incompetency that we have in Hartford?
No-it seems to me like more of the same, there will be more copping a plea and get a pension. Yes-just more of the same.

I Guess Len Suzio Was Right And Should Be Your State Senator

I guess Len Suzio was right all along. And why he should be Connecticut's 13th District State Senator. And this proves that Tom Gaffey was and is corrupt. Yet his fellow Super Majority Democrats defend him and will keep him employed with taxpayers monies for the future. I am wondering if Gaffey gets to keep his state pension and if he does why? Why is taxpayers monies being wasted in this fashion? And why are there two sets of laws, one for any Super Majority Connecticut Democrat and one for the minority Republicans?
Corruption continues to plague our political system here in Connecticut. It shows how poor our state government really is. Why was taxpayers monies wasted in the past election if Gaffey knew he was guilty? Did he think it would just go away?
And why didn't the media take Mr. Suzio's allegations of corruption seriously? Were they too fearful if Gaffey actually lost the election and new ideas were to emanate from Hartford?
Taxpayers in our state have a poor state government. And the media has stopped doing its job. It continues to protect this corruption. This past election shows how pathetic their reporting has become be it Bridgeport or Gaffey. Len Suzio needs to become the new State Senator. Enough corruption has taken place by Tom Gaffey. I do not wish to have any more of my tax monies go to this debacle.

Connecticut's Economic Woes

There are many. There are many, many economic issues for Connecticut in 2011. So far, I have heard absolutely nothing coming out of either the continuing Democratic Super Ruling Majority nor from Governor Malloy with regards to what will be done to solve the $3.5 billion dollar deficit, massive future unfunded liabilities and excessive unemployment. There are no quick fixes with these issues. Connecticut Democrats spend too much, show no accountability in these same spending programs and overtax both businesses and residents. Unless these core issues are actually addressed (and I can not see how with the Democratic Super Ruling Majority), Connecticut's economic woes will continue to mount.
And no higher taxes will do nothing to help solve our economic woes. State government needs to be lessened and reigned in. Bloated state spending programs have done nothing to resolve issues here. It has been and will continue to be more of the same. Wasteful spending and excessively high taxes-for what economic reason? In 2011 we need a contraction of our state government if Connecticut will survive economically to 2012.