How has anything that Connecticut has done since March 17 made us more healthy from Covid-19? I really wonder. We need to reopen Connecticut's economy now so we do not go into a protracted never ending economic depression. For every day the state is shut down as it has been for the past 54 days since March 17 there has been a massive loss of economic activity that is now contributing to a 20% plus unemployment rate as of May 8, a roughly $2.5 billion dollar budget deficit for the fiscal year, and a permanent loss of small businesses in the state. This means that the Connecticut worker and taxpayer will have a great deal of difficulty in finding a new job in the future and will be looking at tax increases that will probably be very large in the near future. How does someone unemployed with limited benefits and cash pay their taxes? How does a business that has been forced to shut down come up with the money to pay its taxes especially their upcoming local property taxes?
The piecemeal approach to the virus has been very costly to the state and has eliminated many personal freedoms. Ned Lamont who is ruling Connecticut by numerous executive orders without any legislative input has created a quagmire of economically illogical laws and rules that will do little for the state's economic health and well being. For example why delay the opening of camp grounds in the state until June 11? How is this date picked out of the air like that? Is Lamont trying to stop groups of people getting together on Memorial Day Weekend? This is now going to cause private campgrounds to lose even more revenue. Being outside at a campground is one of the easiest way to practice social distancing.
Why has Lamont created a private Commission to develop a plan to reopen the state that must report its findings by May 20. Why is this plan taking so long? Why is this Commission not transparent?
There have been many things that Lamont could have done since March 17 to stabilize the state economy. He needs to understand that Connecticut Taxpayers continue to face exceptional financial issues due to the state shutdown of the economy.
He should implemented a 10% cut in all non essential, non virus state spending. This could have saved the state roughly $1 billion dollars for the remainder of the current fiscal year. These cuts would have also included a politically unpopular 10% cut in all State Commissioners salaries and benefits and also include a similar 10% in all State non union management salaries and benefits.
He could have frozen all state union workers and retirees wages and benefits forgoing their 3.5% scheduled pay increase on July 1. These simple pay cuts and freezes could have saved the state an estimated $425 million dollars over the next two fiscal years. The SEBAC state employee union agreement needs to be reopened as it is economically unsustainable given the shut down of the state economy. Ned Lamont also could have led by example by foregoing his salary at this time. After all how much of his own personal money did he spend on his campaign to win the Governorship? The cuts in pay would show those who are unemployed in the state due to the state's mandates to the shut the economy and eliminate their jobs that the state was serious in addressing both their plight and the loss of tax revenues that is occurring.
Small stores and businesses should be able to reopen immediately. How is there no risk in shopping at a large store as compared to shopping at a small store? A small coffee shop should be able to be open for people to walk into in the morning and get their coffee. At some point these small shops and especially restaurants need to reopen or they will closed forever. For some it is already too late and they will be permanently closed. What happens when the unemployment checks stop in six months? What are the unemployed going to do for money to live on? Does our state have an unlimited supply of money with $145 billion dollars already in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities? Won't their ability to borrow more money come with much higher interest costs and downgrades in debt grading?
Connecticut Taxpayers need to contact their State Representatives, State Senators and their Governor immediately to demand that the state economy opens again. We still are governed by a rule of laws and a state constitution contrary to the Lamont decrees. Contact the Governors office at 860-566-4840 or 800-406-1527 and express your frustrations with his inaction and executive orders. We as a state can not wait any longer. The time is now Covid-19 or not to move on and reopen. We all can take precautions to safeguard our health and those around us. We have an educated society here in Connecticut. We are not stupid as our government seems to think we are when it comes to our health.
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Sunday, May 03, 2020
The Economic Hole Of No Return For Connecticut?
Can Connecticut come back economically in 2020? Or in 2021? How about the election year of 2022? Will this be the virus that seals our economic fate here in Connecticut once and for all? The economic hole of no return for the state? An economic recession that we can never come out of?
We are told constantly to stay home and stay safe. When will be allowed out of our homes to resume normal economic activity? Pick a date and pick a restriction according to our by the decree Governor and his non elected officials and advisory boards.
Connecticut seems to be a wanna be New York tagging along with their Governor to try to figure out what to do economically. Connecticut in my opinion is much different than New York especially economically. Although many Connecticut residents work in New York City, Fairfield county is only one part of our state greatly different than for example Windham county. With very few virus cases why was Windham county completely shut down economically? An economic shutdown for the entire state was not necessary if there was some logical planning taken place by the Lamont Administration so as not to treat the state exactly the same. One must remind the Governor that our state is just not Fairfield county with its gold coast along with its economically challenged cities such as Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. Connecticut has many defined rural areas and family run farms that are always an after thought to our state and are usually forgotten about. Now since they have been shut down we see their economic problems. For example our dairy industry must face massive losses. Will they will survive in the long run? I guess the Governor did not realize that cows produce milk daily and there has been an enormous amount of milk thrown out since his mandated shutdown. The wasted milk also means a massive loss of revenue for these farms. What is the plan for these farms if any to help them?
Connecticut now has about a 20% to 22% unemployment rate due to the shut down. One in five in the work force is out of work. Down the road we will see the state's unemployment fund be completely depleted. How much federal taxpayer monies will dumped into this fund? How much higher will the state unemployment tax go up to for the remaining businesses left in the state to pay for unemployment benefits? What was the economic logic in leaving large retail stores open while small retail stores were forced to close? And how many of these same stores will reopen in the future?
Connecticut's restaurant industry has been completely overhauled with massive restrictions placed upon them. Their future is unknown and will be challenged if they are no longer allowed to operate at full capacity due to social distancing decrees. Many will close for good in the short and long run.
Connecticut still has $145 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. The state budget is now massively out of balance due to the downturn in tax revenues. Connecticut wants more federal tax monies to help them out even though our Congressional delegation has spent the last four years condemning all things President Trump. Now they demand immediate action by him while billions of state dollars have been squandered over the years.
Connecticut's lack of emergency planning and years of fiscal mismanagement have come to an ugly head in 2020. Lamont and his crew are starting their usual chant of raising taxes yet again to get the state out of this new and foreboding economic hole of no return. And as usual there was no immediate action by Lamont in March to suspend collective bargaining in the state and cut state management and commissioners salaries (including his) along with other non essential state spending. No short term plan other than "Stay home, stay safe".
The virus has killed people in our state there is no denying it nor should it be taken lightly. The stresses of losing family members is great especially with limited and or a lack of a funeral. However people continue die from many other health related problems in the state daily. Drug abuse and drug overdoses continue (although not spoken about in our controlled media). We sadly can not control and or prevent deaths from occurring in our society.
With the economic actions of the Lamont administration since March we may have been "safe at home" but with some rational common sense our economic system could have continued in some capacity to have avoided a second great depression from taking place in our state as we see today. Ned Lamont was supposedly such a successful business owner prior to being Governor. Sadly he lacks any type of economic savvy or economic logic as Governor. And he and his administration will forever be known as placing Connecticut into the economic hole of no return.
We are told constantly to stay home and stay safe. When will be allowed out of our homes to resume normal economic activity? Pick a date and pick a restriction according to our by the decree Governor and his non elected officials and advisory boards.
Connecticut seems to be a wanna be New York tagging along with their Governor to try to figure out what to do economically. Connecticut in my opinion is much different than New York especially economically. Although many Connecticut residents work in New York City, Fairfield county is only one part of our state greatly different than for example Windham county. With very few virus cases why was Windham county completely shut down economically? An economic shutdown for the entire state was not necessary if there was some logical planning taken place by the Lamont Administration so as not to treat the state exactly the same. One must remind the Governor that our state is just not Fairfield county with its gold coast along with its economically challenged cities such as Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. Connecticut has many defined rural areas and family run farms that are always an after thought to our state and are usually forgotten about. Now since they have been shut down we see their economic problems. For example our dairy industry must face massive losses. Will they will survive in the long run? I guess the Governor did not realize that cows produce milk daily and there has been an enormous amount of milk thrown out since his mandated shutdown. The wasted milk also means a massive loss of revenue for these farms. What is the plan for these farms if any to help them?
Connecticut now has about a 20% to 22% unemployment rate due to the shut down. One in five in the work force is out of work. Down the road we will see the state's unemployment fund be completely depleted. How much federal taxpayer monies will dumped into this fund? How much higher will the state unemployment tax go up to for the remaining businesses left in the state to pay for unemployment benefits? What was the economic logic in leaving large retail stores open while small retail stores were forced to close? And how many of these same stores will reopen in the future?
Connecticut's restaurant industry has been completely overhauled with massive restrictions placed upon them. Their future is unknown and will be challenged if they are no longer allowed to operate at full capacity due to social distancing decrees. Many will close for good in the short and long run.
Connecticut still has $145 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. The state budget is now massively out of balance due to the downturn in tax revenues. Connecticut wants more federal tax monies to help them out even though our Congressional delegation has spent the last four years condemning all things President Trump. Now they demand immediate action by him while billions of state dollars have been squandered over the years.
Connecticut's lack of emergency planning and years of fiscal mismanagement have come to an ugly head in 2020. Lamont and his crew are starting their usual chant of raising taxes yet again to get the state out of this new and foreboding economic hole of no return. And as usual there was no immediate action by Lamont in March to suspend collective bargaining in the state and cut state management and commissioners salaries (including his) along with other non essential state spending. No short term plan other than "Stay home, stay safe".
The virus has killed people in our state there is no denying it nor should it be taken lightly. The stresses of losing family members is great especially with limited and or a lack of a funeral. However people continue die from many other health related problems in the state daily. Drug abuse and drug overdoses continue (although not spoken about in our controlled media). We sadly can not control and or prevent deaths from occurring in our society.
With the economic actions of the Lamont administration since March we may have been "safe at home" but with some rational common sense our economic system could have continued in some capacity to have avoided a second great depression from taking place in our state as we see today. Ned Lamont was supposedly such a successful business owner prior to being Governor. Sadly he lacks any type of economic savvy or economic logic as Governor. And he and his administration will forever be known as placing Connecticut into the economic hole of no return.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Part Two: Economic Consequences of Government Decisions-What Date Do We Open?
I ask again, what date do we reopen our state economy? There are economic
consequences to any governmental decision. We can see this on a constant
basis in Connecticut. Governor Lamont's decision to shut down Connecticut's economy is having enormous repercussions to the state and its citizens.
Those signing up for new unemployment claims is at an all time high with over 402,000 new claims being filed in the past few weeks with more being processed. These claims equal levels not seen since the Great Depression of 1929-1933. We are seeing now in Connecticut an estimated 18 to 20% unemployment rate or roughly one in five workers are now out of work due to this shutdown.
Obviously high unemployment rates create massive economic issues for Connecticut. These economic issues include a massive downturn in tax revenues being collected, a massive cost in paying out unemployment benefits, and a massive increase in the state debt which is currently $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. How much higher will it go? In my opinion we will see an additional $5 to $15 billion dollars in debt be added due to this shutdown. We also see a massive budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 due to the the lack of tax revenue coming in. Governor Lamont has simply said he is glad we have a rainy day fund of approximately $2.5 billion dollars. How far is that going to go during this crisis? When and how will it ever be replaced in the future if we have a long term economic contraction in the state? Why hasn't Governor Lamont instituted cuts in state spending for all non essential non virus related spending? Federal funds for the virus being sent to Connecticut will not cover all the state monies being spent at this time.
We know now the new commission appointed by Governor Lamont has until May 20th just to submit a report to him on how to reopen the economy. I find it interesting that Indra Nooyl who was the former CEO of Pepsi is co-chairing this committee. I would think that her background in private industry would allow her to move quickly and come up with this report in far less time than on May 20th. As a former CEO of Pepsi would she move this slowly to resolve a problem of this magnitude in her former company? I also find it very interesting that no elected State Representatives or Senators were picked for this committee. In reviewing the individuals on this committee and their backgrounds I really do not see many new ideas and policies being generated from them nor do I see how this type of committee follows our state constitution? How is this legal? I thought we had an elected Representative Republic/Democracy form of government where we elected individuals to represent us? However as we see in a crisis the state seems to avoid the state constitution and laws our state was founded on. We as taxpayers must accept now the decrees of this committee now as the rule of law to govern our economic lives here in the future. Why?
What an economic mess.
I leave you with this thought:
We would not have been the United States of America for 246 years if we allowed fear and shame to prevent our individual rights and freedoms that our guaranteed by the Bills of Rights and the Constitution.
Those signing up for new unemployment claims is at an all time high with over 402,000 new claims being filed in the past few weeks with more being processed. These claims equal levels not seen since the Great Depression of 1929-1933. We are seeing now in Connecticut an estimated 18 to 20% unemployment rate or roughly one in five workers are now out of work due to this shutdown.
Obviously high unemployment rates create massive economic issues for Connecticut. These economic issues include a massive downturn in tax revenues being collected, a massive cost in paying out unemployment benefits, and a massive increase in the state debt which is currently $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. How much higher will it go? In my opinion we will see an additional $5 to $15 billion dollars in debt be added due to this shutdown. We also see a massive budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 due to the the lack of tax revenue coming in. Governor Lamont has simply said he is glad we have a rainy day fund of approximately $2.5 billion dollars. How far is that going to go during this crisis? When and how will it ever be replaced in the future if we have a long term economic contraction in the state? Why hasn't Governor Lamont instituted cuts in state spending for all non essential non virus related spending? Federal funds for the virus being sent to Connecticut will not cover all the state monies being spent at this time.
We know now the new commission appointed by Governor Lamont has until May 20th just to submit a report to him on how to reopen the economy. I find it interesting that Indra Nooyl who was the former CEO of Pepsi is co-chairing this committee. I would think that her background in private industry would allow her to move quickly and come up with this report in far less time than on May 20th. As a former CEO of Pepsi would she move this slowly to resolve a problem of this magnitude in her former company? I also find it very interesting that no elected State Representatives or Senators were picked for this committee. In reviewing the individuals on this committee and their backgrounds I really do not see many new ideas and policies being generated from them nor do I see how this type of committee follows our state constitution? How is this legal? I thought we had an elected Representative Republic/Democracy form of government where we elected individuals to represent us? However as we see in a crisis the state seems to avoid the state constitution and laws our state was founded on. We as taxpayers must accept now the decrees of this committee now as the rule of law to govern our economic lives here in the future. Why?
What an economic mess.
I leave you with this thought:
We would not have been the United States of America for 246 years if we allowed fear and shame to prevent our individual rights and freedoms that our guaranteed by the Bills of Rights and the Constitution.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Part One: Economic Consequences of Government Decisions-What Date Do We Open?
What date do we reopen our state economy? There are economic consequences to any governmental decision. We can see this on a daily basis in Connecticut. Arguments on both sides of the spectrum have been seen with the actions of shutting down Connecticut's economy because of Covid 19 and when and or how it will ever reopen again. And Connecticut is not a surrogate city of New York either contrary to what our Governor wants us to believe.
Another week passes, another week and yet another week of the shutdown with a constant shuffling of dates.of possibly reopening the state Decisions need to be made quickly. Those essential decisions are not being made except for Governor Lamont's complex decree after decree after someone suggests to him to change this or that.
Is this effective leadership and government?
Connecticut even though it has an elected government seems to be relying upon a private sector decision making team for educational decisions and now on how to reopen the economy.
A new team of public officials and others were appointed by Lamont with the task of reopening the economy. I wonder if they are going to be paid? When are they going to meet? Will their meetings be televised? Our taxpayers allowed to voice their opinions to them? Will they have any transparency? The list is long as far as the individuals chosen with various business and health care backgrounds along with several state officials. Do they truly represent a cross section of the state economy? How come there was not someone who recently signed up for unemployment and now has to wait six weeks for their check chosen? How about a small business owner who was shut out of the state program to help them survive during the state mandated shutdown and is on the verge of bankruptcy now? None of those people get chosen. The task force decision should be immediate and with a decisive reopening date. For with every day Connecticut's economy continues in this lockdown our state economic turmoil and road to bankruptcy continues. Bankruptcies will be forthcoming, businesses shut down for good and a massive continuing unemployment with little prospects of finding replacement jobs since who will want to operate a business in this type of state command economy. Taxes for sure will be going up for Fiscal Year 20-21 we can count on it. There has been absolutely no cutting of state management and commissioner salaries at this time. There is no asking state unions to forgo their pay raises effective July 1. There is no shared sacrifice from those in government power making these draconian economic decisions for others who are now fast approaching the point of no economic return and economic failure.
If one looks at Connecticut we can see that certain parts of the state such as Windham and Tolland counties have few cases and deaths from the virus. The economic question is why are they completely shut down? As we see with common sense flu precautions that can be followed that part of our state could be reopened quickly and allow for people to work again and businesses to operate.
The backbone of Connecticut's economy is small business and industry. Politicians really do not understand that especially our Governor. It is gets boring to hear all of the supposed promises that are being made to these small business owners who in many cases are the true risk takers that have made our economy successful since our country was formed. They are now long forgotten in the state due to the elitists who run our state in 2020.
I leave you with this thought:
There is no sound louder than an economic hostage set free from government decree and rule. We have been bullied too long in Connecticut.
Another week passes, another week and yet another week of the shutdown with a constant shuffling of dates.of possibly reopening the state Decisions need to be made quickly. Those essential decisions are not being made except for Governor Lamont's complex decree after decree after someone suggests to him to change this or that.
Is this effective leadership and government?
Connecticut even though it has an elected government seems to be relying upon a private sector decision making team for educational decisions and now on how to reopen the economy.
A new team of public officials and others were appointed by Lamont with the task of reopening the economy. I wonder if they are going to be paid? When are they going to meet? Will their meetings be televised? Our taxpayers allowed to voice their opinions to them? Will they have any transparency? The list is long as far as the individuals chosen with various business and health care backgrounds along with several state officials. Do they truly represent a cross section of the state economy? How come there was not someone who recently signed up for unemployment and now has to wait six weeks for their check chosen? How about a small business owner who was shut out of the state program to help them survive during the state mandated shutdown and is on the verge of bankruptcy now? None of those people get chosen. The task force decision should be immediate and with a decisive reopening date. For with every day Connecticut's economy continues in this lockdown our state economic turmoil and road to bankruptcy continues. Bankruptcies will be forthcoming, businesses shut down for good and a massive continuing unemployment with little prospects of finding replacement jobs since who will want to operate a business in this type of state command economy. Taxes for sure will be going up for Fiscal Year 20-21 we can count on it. There has been absolutely no cutting of state management and commissioner salaries at this time. There is no asking state unions to forgo their pay raises effective July 1. There is no shared sacrifice from those in government power making these draconian economic decisions for others who are now fast approaching the point of no economic return and economic failure.
If one looks at Connecticut we can see that certain parts of the state such as Windham and Tolland counties have few cases and deaths from the virus. The economic question is why are they completely shut down? As we see with common sense flu precautions that can be followed that part of our state could be reopened quickly and allow for people to work again and businesses to operate.
The backbone of Connecticut's economy is small business and industry. Politicians really do not understand that especially our Governor. It is gets boring to hear all of the supposed promises that are being made to these small business owners who in many cases are the true risk takers that have made our economy successful since our country was formed. They are now long forgotten in the state due to the elitists who run our state in 2020.
I leave you with this thought:
There is no sound louder than an economic hostage set free from government decree and rule. We have been bullied too long in Connecticut.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Easter Covid-19 Thoughts
Happy Easter! One of the holiest days of the year will be this Sunday April 12th. Church services are now online and we are not allowed to worship in person due to Covid-19. Family gatherings for the most part have been cancelled and lives have been turned upside down. Even though we are not allowed to worship in free physical assembly we will still practice in spirit. One must not forget our First Amendment rights of Freedom of Religion and Assembly as stated by the United States Constitution during this crisis.
In writing my columns I try to look at the economic implications of political decisions. I have studied economics and the economy both nationally and world wide since I was in High School. I have taught Economics and Business classes for thirty eight years now and have seen and taught about many economic crises in the classroom during that time frame. A consistent theme that I have seen in these different crises has been the intervention by our government in trying to create a positive outcome to the economic issue. Worldwide free governments also try to do the same. Each time government tries to influence the free market system that we have in our economy we see usually poor results. For those who can remember the "energy crisis" of 1973-74, we saw several different unsuccessful programs implemented to try to end the crisis. The net result of those price controls, limiting how much gas you could buy at one time and the suppression of the normal laws of supply and demand helped to prolong the crisis at that time. We saw a similar problem with the "energy crisis" of 1979-80 also due to government policies. In 2020 we have had little to no supply issues with regards to energy and relatively stable prices with the exception of high electric prices here in Connecticut and California due to these states regulations causing prices to escalate well beyond the national average.
The "housing/mortgage/financial crisis" of 2008-09 was also a similar situation with massive government interventions. Mortgage derivatives were created that bundled mortgages with different rates of return and risk. Our government wanted those who could not afford houses to buy them thus creating buyers programs for that group of people. Poor mortgage decisions were made, housing prices bubbled and the net result was a massive downturn in our economy.
In 2020 we now face another economic crisis due to the Covid-19 virus as our economy has literally been shut down. Connecticut has been especially hard hit with over 300,000 unemployment claims being filed over the past three weeks. With Governor Lamont's new executive order shutting Connecticut down until May 20th now, more claims will be filed. Who will pay for these unemployed workers benefits? Federal monies will pay for some of the claims however it will not be enough. What is the plan to fund these claims?
Businesses that have been ordered shut down by the state have been offered several limited funding plans both on a state and federal level. Some of the bridge loans will be forgiven other loans will have little or no interest charged on them. This is a stop gap measure to keep them operational until they are allowed to open again. The volume of those applying for these loans has overwhelmed the state system and caused delays in the loan process.
For those who pay property taxes in the state they are now offered a 90 day extension to pay them at a 3% rate of interest. It will still be very difficult for businesses to pay property taxes and or any other taxes either with these loans and with no revenues coming in.
There are many other state mandates that will have economic implications in the long run such as delays in rent payments, mortgage payments, loan and tax payments. Connecticut's economy took the longest to supposedly come out of the last recession (and was not fully recovered either) and it will take even longer to come out of this crisis. It will take longer due to the high tax burden that we have in the state along with the massive governmental regulations that has been imposed on businesses here in Connecticut.
Our elected state officials daily tell us of new economic help programs and new regulations that have been imposed on us to stop the spread of Covid-19. Even though it seems like certain parts of our state have not been impacted as much as Fairfield and New Haven counties the entire state must follow these shutdowns. We are also seeing a leveling off of cases and deaths which is great. The question still remains is what and how will Connecticut reopen its economy? Connecticut's economy is valued at roughly $275 billion dollars yearly with a massive state debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio of 19.5%. Connecticut's short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities is in excess of $140 billion dollars. If more than have of the states businesses close for good due to this crisis our state economy value will drop to roughly $140 billion dollars or less in my opinion. The drop will cause tax revenues to decline, a massive job loss creating high unemployment rates possibly of 20% or more and enormous debt/bankruptcies to occur. In my opinion this is what needs to be addressed immediately through a non partisan non government task force to plan how to open the state's economy as fast as possible and as safely as possible.
State Commissioners and officials have not offered and or discussed any cuts in their salaries and benefits or any cuts in state budgets during this crisis. Connecticut state unions are scheduled to get a 3.5% pay increase on July 1, no word as to suspending this raise due to our economic crisis. I wonder how the state will pay for these raises with a massive loss of tax revenues? I wonder how much the state budget deficit will be for Fiscal year 2019-2020? 2 to 4 billion dollars or more? Is there a concept of shared sacrifice in our state government when it comes to an economic crisis?
I personally do not take lightly the 448 state residents who died as of today (4/11) from Covid-19. Nor do I take lightly the 1200 state residents (including a family member) who died in 2019 from drug overdoses. I also understand the nature of this fast moving virus is different than drug overdoses however I really wonder if Connecticut really had any type of plan for a state wide health emergency like this? Does Connecticut have a plan for a war/nuclear attack type of emergency? Why has Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Health not been in the forefront of this health crisis rather than being unseen, unheard and unquoted? Where is her guidance and leadership in this crisis? Are the statistics being used to report the cases and deaths accurate? Or are they skewed to increase federal funding?
I wonder if Connecticut will have a Commission created to investigate how this health crisis was handled?
Hopefully this health crisis will be over soon. And hopefully one day Connecticut will be a right-to-work state with less or no debt, less state union influence, a two party system that has checks and balances, a state government that is not filled with political nepotism, a state government that follows the state constitution and a vibrant business environment. I just wonder if this will happen in my lifetime?
In writing my columns I try to look at the economic implications of political decisions. I have studied economics and the economy both nationally and world wide since I was in High School. I have taught Economics and Business classes for thirty eight years now and have seen and taught about many economic crises in the classroom during that time frame. A consistent theme that I have seen in these different crises has been the intervention by our government in trying to create a positive outcome to the economic issue. Worldwide free governments also try to do the same. Each time government tries to influence the free market system that we have in our economy we see usually poor results. For those who can remember the "energy crisis" of 1973-74, we saw several different unsuccessful programs implemented to try to end the crisis. The net result of those price controls, limiting how much gas you could buy at one time and the suppression of the normal laws of supply and demand helped to prolong the crisis at that time. We saw a similar problem with the "energy crisis" of 1979-80 also due to government policies. In 2020 we have had little to no supply issues with regards to energy and relatively stable prices with the exception of high electric prices here in Connecticut and California due to these states regulations causing prices to escalate well beyond the national average.
The "housing/mortgage/financial crisis" of 2008-09 was also a similar situation with massive government interventions. Mortgage derivatives were created that bundled mortgages with different rates of return and risk. Our government wanted those who could not afford houses to buy them thus creating buyers programs for that group of people. Poor mortgage decisions were made, housing prices bubbled and the net result was a massive downturn in our economy.
In 2020 we now face another economic crisis due to the Covid-19 virus as our economy has literally been shut down. Connecticut has been especially hard hit with over 300,000 unemployment claims being filed over the past three weeks. With Governor Lamont's new executive order shutting Connecticut down until May 20th now, more claims will be filed. Who will pay for these unemployed workers benefits? Federal monies will pay for some of the claims however it will not be enough. What is the plan to fund these claims?
Businesses that have been ordered shut down by the state have been offered several limited funding plans both on a state and federal level. Some of the bridge loans will be forgiven other loans will have little or no interest charged on them. This is a stop gap measure to keep them operational until they are allowed to open again. The volume of those applying for these loans has overwhelmed the state system and caused delays in the loan process.
For those who pay property taxes in the state they are now offered a 90 day extension to pay them at a 3% rate of interest. It will still be very difficult for businesses to pay property taxes and or any other taxes either with these loans and with no revenues coming in.
There are many other state mandates that will have economic implications in the long run such as delays in rent payments, mortgage payments, loan and tax payments. Connecticut's economy took the longest to supposedly come out of the last recession (and was not fully recovered either) and it will take even longer to come out of this crisis. It will take longer due to the high tax burden that we have in the state along with the massive governmental regulations that has been imposed on businesses here in Connecticut.
Our elected state officials daily tell us of new economic help programs and new regulations that have been imposed on us to stop the spread of Covid-19. Even though it seems like certain parts of our state have not been impacted as much as Fairfield and New Haven counties the entire state must follow these shutdowns. We are also seeing a leveling off of cases and deaths which is great. The question still remains is what and how will Connecticut reopen its economy? Connecticut's economy is valued at roughly $275 billion dollars yearly with a massive state debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio of 19.5%. Connecticut's short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities is in excess of $140 billion dollars. If more than have of the states businesses close for good due to this crisis our state economy value will drop to roughly $140 billion dollars or less in my opinion. The drop will cause tax revenues to decline, a massive job loss creating high unemployment rates possibly of 20% or more and enormous debt/bankruptcies to occur. In my opinion this is what needs to be addressed immediately through a non partisan non government task force to plan how to open the state's economy as fast as possible and as safely as possible.
State Commissioners and officials have not offered and or discussed any cuts in their salaries and benefits or any cuts in state budgets during this crisis. Connecticut state unions are scheduled to get a 3.5% pay increase on July 1, no word as to suspending this raise due to our economic crisis. I wonder how the state will pay for these raises with a massive loss of tax revenues? I wonder how much the state budget deficit will be for Fiscal year 2019-2020? 2 to 4 billion dollars or more? Is there a concept of shared sacrifice in our state government when it comes to an economic crisis?
I personally do not take lightly the 448 state residents who died as of today (4/11) from Covid-19. Nor do I take lightly the 1200 state residents (including a family member) who died in 2019 from drug overdoses. I also understand the nature of this fast moving virus is different than drug overdoses however I really wonder if Connecticut really had any type of plan for a state wide health emergency like this? Does Connecticut have a plan for a war/nuclear attack type of emergency? Why has Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Health not been in the forefront of this health crisis rather than being unseen, unheard and unquoted? Where is her guidance and leadership in this crisis? Are the statistics being used to report the cases and deaths accurate? Or are they skewed to increase federal funding?
I wonder if Connecticut will have a Commission created to investigate how this health crisis was handled?
Hopefully this health crisis will be over soon. And hopefully one day Connecticut will be a right-to-work state with less or no debt, less state union influence, a two party system that has checks and balances, a state government that is not filled with political nepotism, a state government that follows the state constitution and a vibrant business environment. I just wonder if this will happen in my lifetime?
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Coronavirus Thoughts Week 3
"We are fighting for survival" This is the statement I heard from an employee and a restaurant owner this past week. Both restaurants are still open with limited hours and a minimal crew. Some restaurants in Connecticut will never open again due to the governmental decree of two weeks ago closing them to the extent of only allowing take out and delivery service to stop the spread of Covid-19. Many businesses besides restaurants have closed and or are on limited hours to stop the spread of Covid-19 with thousands of Connecticut workers having signed up for unemployment benefits due to these closures. This is placing a massive economic strain on the limited amount of money in the state's poorly run Unemployment Compensation system. Many small Connecticut businesses applied for the state's new no interest Recovery Bridge Loan Program. More than 4000 applications flooded Connecticut's feeble Department of Economic and Community Development system thus they are now unable to accept more applications due to the overload. Supposedly Round 2 of these loans should be coming at some point. I will believe it when I see it.
"We are fighting for survival" This statement echoes in my ears constantly.
Fox News reported after $2 trillion dollar Coronavirus relief bill was passed that there was a great deal of special interest group/lobbyists "pork" (spending that is unnecessary and unrelated to the bill) spending that was found in it. I have found it very difficult to actually view the bill and what it contains. Our Congress obviously wishing to hide the bill from the public so there would be no Taxpayers questioning it and the "pork" in it.
Here is a brief summary of the "pork" in the bill.
$10,804,687,000 for international development.
The African Development Fund (ADF) $513,900,000, the African Development Bank (AfDB) $7,286,587,008, and the International Development Association (IDA)$3,004,200,000.
$350,000,000 for refugee resettlement.
$93,000,000 Congress ($25 million of which is for "salaries and expenses" unknown as to how it will be allocated).
$75,000,000 for PBS stations.
$75,000,000 for the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities.
$75,000,000 National Endowment for the Humanities.
$50,000,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
$25,000,000 for the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
$7,500,000 for the Smithsonian Institution.
Why are we allowing this much non related Coronavirus spending to take place in this bill? The bulk of these spending add-ons were made by Democrat Party members of the United States House and Senate led by Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. How does this non related Coronavirus spending help people who have the virus and businesses impacted by the virus? The silence is deafening by Senators Murphy and Blumenthal and our illustrious Democrat members of the House in responding to these pork questions. Billions of Taxpayers dollars are being spent on totally non related Covid-19 matters. Why? To me we are seeing of the complete ineptness and disregard that our Congress especially the Democrat Party has in the time of a crisis to the people it supposedly represents. And if you are questioning what they are doing with this non related Covid-19 spending you are labeled an obstructionist, anti-American, insensitive, etc. I wonder what steps Africa is taking currently to help our country in this crisis with the amount of aid they just received? The $11 billion dollars that was given to these African entities could buy a great deal of food, shelter, surgical masks and ventilators for our country. Just a stupid thought on my part.
"We are fighting for survival" Words that should be heard.
And we are somehow supposed to trust our government on a federal or state level in the time of a crisis? I really think we need a new Congress. With the exception of a few brave individuals this Congress does not represent American Taxpayers in any way shape or form. It only represents the special interest groups that put them into office. The swamp called Congress needs to be drained.
"We are fighting for survival" This statement has become deafening to me.
I will repeat from last week's column.
Do not fear.
We will overcome this crisis as we have the others. All will be well in our country.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Words to live by.
"We are fighting for survival" This statement echoes in my ears constantly.
Fox News reported after $2 trillion dollar Coronavirus relief bill was passed that there was a great deal of special interest group/lobbyists "pork" (spending that is unnecessary and unrelated to the bill) spending that was found in it. I have found it very difficult to actually view the bill and what it contains. Our Congress obviously wishing to hide the bill from the public so there would be no Taxpayers questioning it and the "pork" in it.
Here is a brief summary of the "pork" in the bill.
$10,804,687,000 for international development.
The African Development Fund (ADF) $513,900,000, the African Development Bank (AfDB) $7,286,587,008, and the International Development Association (IDA)$3,004,200,000.
$350,000,000 for refugee resettlement.
$93,000,000 Congress ($25 million of which is for "salaries and expenses" unknown as to how it will be allocated).
$75,000,000 for PBS stations.
$75,000,000 for the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities.
$75,000,000 National Endowment for the Humanities.
$50,000,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
$25,000,000 for the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
$7,500,000 for the Smithsonian Institution.
Why are we allowing this much non related Coronavirus spending to take place in this bill? The bulk of these spending add-ons were made by Democrat Party members of the United States House and Senate led by Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. How does this non related Coronavirus spending help people who have the virus and businesses impacted by the virus? The silence is deafening by Senators Murphy and Blumenthal and our illustrious Democrat members of the House in responding to these pork questions. Billions of Taxpayers dollars are being spent on totally non related Covid-19 matters. Why? To me we are seeing of the complete ineptness and disregard that our Congress especially the Democrat Party has in the time of a crisis to the people it supposedly represents. And if you are questioning what they are doing with this non related Covid-19 spending you are labeled an obstructionist, anti-American, insensitive, etc. I wonder what steps Africa is taking currently to help our country in this crisis with the amount of aid they just received? The $11 billion dollars that was given to these African entities could buy a great deal of food, shelter, surgical masks and ventilators for our country. Just a stupid thought on my part.
"We are fighting for survival" Words that should be heard.
And we are somehow supposed to trust our government on a federal or state level in the time of a crisis? I really think we need a new Congress. With the exception of a few brave individuals this Congress does not represent American Taxpayers in any way shape or form. It only represents the special interest groups that put them into office. The swamp called Congress needs to be drained.
"We are fighting for survival" This statement has become deafening to me.
I will repeat from last week's column.
Do not fear.
We will overcome this crisis as we have the others. All will be well in our country.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Words to live by.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Coronavirus Thoughts Week 2
The current United States statistics of Covid-19, the Chinese flu strain is 26,900 cases with 348 deaths. That is roughly at 1.3% death rate. Since it is difficult to obtain pure data on this virus from any source it seems that many of the deaths are older people who may have had some medical issues prior to getting the virus.
Connecticut has taken many extreme steps to combat the virus including closing many businesses and limiting what certain businesses can do such as restaurants take out/drive thru only, etc. A decree of what can be deemed essential businesses remaining open during this crisis is supposedly coming forth today Sunday 3/22/2020. This will continue to cause economic destruction in our state economy. Governor Lamont is going to use the state's $250 million dollar rainy day fund that in my opinion will be woefully inadequate for this crisis while the state's ability to borrow money becomes less and less as the state has over $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities already. The new budget deficit due to the massive amount of unemployment claims along with a downturn in sales tax revenues (including the ten cent plastic bag tax) will be enormous. I can see a $3 to $5 billion dollar budget deficit for the end of this fiscal year along with the new fiscal year of 20-21. It is interesting to note that Governor Lamont has not requested any cuts in state spending from any agencies to put all efforts into saving the state economy. We have spent an enormous amount of time and money in lobbying for tolls especially for trucks. It is interesting to see how badly we need trucks at this time to transport our essential goods to our remaining economy. Governor Lamont has also given towns and cities to pass their own budgets without public input and set their own tax rates. How this is constitutional is beyond me?
Obviously Connecticut's economy may get worse first before getting better. It seems to be extreme in my opinion and is taking away a great deal of our personal freedoms.
I will repeat from last week's column.
Do not fear.
We will overcome this crisis as we have the others. All will be well in our country.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Words to live by.
Connecticut has taken many extreme steps to combat the virus including closing many businesses and limiting what certain businesses can do such as restaurants take out/drive thru only, etc. A decree of what can be deemed essential businesses remaining open during this crisis is supposedly coming forth today Sunday 3/22/2020. This will continue to cause economic destruction in our state economy. Governor Lamont is going to use the state's $250 million dollar rainy day fund that in my opinion will be woefully inadequate for this crisis while the state's ability to borrow money becomes less and less as the state has over $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities already. The new budget deficit due to the massive amount of unemployment claims along with a downturn in sales tax revenues (including the ten cent plastic bag tax) will be enormous. I can see a $3 to $5 billion dollar budget deficit for the end of this fiscal year along with the new fiscal year of 20-21. It is interesting to note that Governor Lamont has not requested any cuts in state spending from any agencies to put all efforts into saving the state economy. We have spent an enormous amount of time and money in lobbying for tolls especially for trucks. It is interesting to see how badly we need trucks at this time to transport our essential goods to our remaining economy. Governor Lamont has also given towns and cities to pass their own budgets without public input and set their own tax rates. How this is constitutional is beyond me?
Obviously Connecticut's economy may get worse first before getting better. It seems to be extreme in my opinion and is taking away a great deal of our personal freedoms.
I will repeat from last week's column.
Do not fear.
We will overcome this crisis as we have the others. All will be well in our country.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Words to live by.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
My Thoughts On The Coronavirus
Fear is a strong emotion that has been prevalent in our economy due to the outbreak of a Coronavirus this one named Covid-19.
Fear has brought about a massive downturn in our stock markets eliminating well over $5 trillion dollars of wealth on paper.
Fear has brought about panic buying of food supplies fresh and frozen along with all cleaning materials, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper. Black markets have opened up for cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers and paper products with massively inflated prices for these necessities.
Fear seems to be a constant in our media when talking about this virus. News articles describe many different sensationalized scenarios of what it going on with the virus and how many will become infected and die from it.
Safety precautions have shut down sporting events at all levels, closed public schools, colleges and universities along with many businesses asking their employees to work from home. Public gatherings are being limited 250 people or less. Churches have cancelled services. Draconian measures that in some cases violate our personal freedoms that are guaranteed by the Constitution.
There is an economic cost to all these closings and changes. Small businesses will be impacted severely. Those businesses that depend on these schools and businesses for their product or service will be impacted. Their employees may have their hours cut or be laid off. Many of these employees may work two or three jobs just to pay for their rent and living expenses. What are they going to do now with less income? Unemployment may increase in the short run and some businesses may close and never open up again. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will probably go down for this quarter and the next and recover in the 3rd quarter.
Economically it seems to depend upon the next two weeks and how better or worse the situation becomes. My thoughts are things are going to improve for a variety of reasons including that we in our country do care about our personal hygiene as compared to other countries. It is important to remember the small businesses in our local communities as they the backbone of our economy. They need our support at this time.
There is a website that offers real time statistics for the Covid-19 virus worldometers.info/coronavirus. As of 11:15am Sunday 3/15/20 Worldwide there have been 162,651 cases reported with 6,069 deaths and 76,219 recoveries from the virus (people who have gotten better and have not died).
These are interesting statistics that do not seem to be reported in our media. The website also shows how many cases that have occurred in each country. As a reminder the flu kills more people in our country than this virus does at this time. Is this possibly an overreaction?
We should not be fearful at this time as we have lived through many of these types of viruses over the years. We do need to take proper precautions in our personal hygiene. We also need to recognize that faith will carry us through this crisis as it has carried our country through the the thousands of crises that we have had since 1776. Maybe this virus is a wake up call to those who do not have faith in the Lord in our society. Maybe it is a wake up call for elected officials to lead for a change rather than make political every crisis that happens in our society especially here in Connecticut.
Do not fear.
We will overcome this crisis as we have the others. All will be well in our country.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Words to live by.
Fear has brought about a massive downturn in our stock markets eliminating well over $5 trillion dollars of wealth on paper.
Fear has brought about panic buying of food supplies fresh and frozen along with all cleaning materials, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper. Black markets have opened up for cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers and paper products with massively inflated prices for these necessities.
Fear seems to be a constant in our media when talking about this virus. News articles describe many different sensationalized scenarios of what it going on with the virus and how many will become infected and die from it.
Safety precautions have shut down sporting events at all levels, closed public schools, colleges and universities along with many businesses asking their employees to work from home. Public gatherings are being limited 250 people or less. Churches have cancelled services. Draconian measures that in some cases violate our personal freedoms that are guaranteed by the Constitution.
There is an economic cost to all these closings and changes. Small businesses will be impacted severely. Those businesses that depend on these schools and businesses for their product or service will be impacted. Their employees may have their hours cut or be laid off. Many of these employees may work two or three jobs just to pay for their rent and living expenses. What are they going to do now with less income? Unemployment may increase in the short run and some businesses may close and never open up again. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will probably go down for this quarter and the next and recover in the 3rd quarter.
Economically it seems to depend upon the next two weeks and how better or worse the situation becomes. My thoughts are things are going to improve for a variety of reasons including that we in our country do care about our personal hygiene as compared to other countries. It is important to remember the small businesses in our local communities as they the backbone of our economy. They need our support at this time.
There is a website that offers real time statistics for the Covid-19 virus worldometers.info/coronavirus. As of 11:15am Sunday 3/15/20 Worldwide there have been 162,651 cases reported with 6,069 deaths and 76,219 recoveries from the virus (people who have gotten better and have not died).
These are interesting statistics that do not seem to be reported in our media. The website also shows how many cases that have occurred in each country. As a reminder the flu kills more people in our country than this virus does at this time. Is this possibly an overreaction?
We should not be fearful at this time as we have lived through many of these types of viruses over the years. We do need to take proper precautions in our personal hygiene. We also need to recognize that faith will carry us through this crisis as it has carried our country through the the thousands of crises that we have had since 1776. Maybe this virus is a wake up call to those who do not have faith in the Lord in our society. Maybe it is a wake up call for elected officials to lead for a change rather than make political every crisis that happens in our society especially here in Connecticut.
Do not fear.
We will overcome this crisis as we have the others. All will be well in our country.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Words to live by.
Saturday, March 07, 2020
What's Another $41.2 Million Dollars To Connecticut Taxpayers
Connecticut Taxpayers were beaten up again this week. The Yankee Institute for Public Policy reported on two massive losses for Connecticut Taxpayers which added up to $41.2 million dollars in lost money.
First was a state audit that found the problematic Department of Economic and Community Development forgave or modified state loans to companies totaling $23.6 million and awarding $16 million in excess assistance through the ill fated First Five Plus program. There seems to be a constant theme in the Department of Economic and Community Development of a lack of oversight, whistle blower complaints and most importantly a massive waste of Connecticut Taxpayers monies in trying to create a handful of what seems to be jobs that are non existent and or politically connected. Why this Department still operates is beyond me.
The second waste of Connecticut Taxpayers monies occurred when the Department of Corrections in an audited example of 678 cases by 10 employees that they did not have 659 out of 678 approved union leave forms on file, accounting for 5,164 hours of paid time off. For two employees the result was in 230 and 404 days of consecutive leave in each case. The total waste to Connecticut Taxpayers was a mere $2.2 million dollars. Apparently the Department of Corrections does not wish to follow rules and laws in granting this union leave.
These two audited examples account for a mere $41.2 million dollars in wasted monies. And I will continue to remind you that Connecticut has $140 billion dollars worth of short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities that is ignored on a daily basis by the Connecticut Democrat Party. It seems to follow a very familiar pattern here in Connecticut state unions are given anything they want disregarding rules and laws while political connected corporate welfare marches on unabated and unchecked.
Thus Connecticut Taxpayers monies continue to be wasted. State audits and auditors are ignored. Laws and rules governing state agencies are ignored. The waste seems to be endless in our state government. And the lack of respect shown to Connecticut Taxpayers by the Connecticut Democrat Party continues.
Here is a thought. The $41.2 million dollars is probably a small portion of the massive amount of waste that occurs daily in state government. The $41.2 million dollars that was wasted in these two examples could have fixed and repaired a great deal of our roads and bridges in the state (without tolls).
How much waste of Connecticut Taxpayers monies is taking place on a daily basis? $1 billion dollars a year? $2 billion dollars a year? Pick a number? Who knows? A full forensic audit of our entire state government is needed immediately.
We do know that the Connecticut Democrat Party does seem to care nor worry about laws or audits in the state when it comes to accounting for Connecticut Taxpayers monies. The waste continues day in and day out, year in and year out. It is never ending.
First was a state audit that found the problematic Department of Economic and Community Development forgave or modified state loans to companies totaling $23.6 million and awarding $16 million in excess assistance through the ill fated First Five Plus program. There seems to be a constant theme in the Department of Economic and Community Development of a lack of oversight, whistle blower complaints and most importantly a massive waste of Connecticut Taxpayers monies in trying to create a handful of what seems to be jobs that are non existent and or politically connected. Why this Department still operates is beyond me.
The second waste of Connecticut Taxpayers monies occurred when the Department of Corrections in an audited example of 678 cases by 10 employees that they did not have 659 out of 678 approved union leave forms on file, accounting for 5,164 hours of paid time off. For two employees the result was in 230 and 404 days of consecutive leave in each case. The total waste to Connecticut Taxpayers was a mere $2.2 million dollars. Apparently the Department of Corrections does not wish to follow rules and laws in granting this union leave.
These two audited examples account for a mere $41.2 million dollars in wasted monies. And I will continue to remind you that Connecticut has $140 billion dollars worth of short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities that is ignored on a daily basis by the Connecticut Democrat Party. It seems to follow a very familiar pattern here in Connecticut state unions are given anything they want disregarding rules and laws while political connected corporate welfare marches on unabated and unchecked.
Thus Connecticut Taxpayers monies continue to be wasted. State audits and auditors are ignored. Laws and rules governing state agencies are ignored. The waste seems to be endless in our state government. And the lack of respect shown to Connecticut Taxpayers by the Connecticut Democrat Party continues.
Here is a thought. The $41.2 million dollars is probably a small portion of the massive amount of waste that occurs daily in state government. The $41.2 million dollars that was wasted in these two examples could have fixed and repaired a great deal of our roads and bridges in the state (without tolls).
How much waste of Connecticut Taxpayers monies is taking place on a daily basis? $1 billion dollars a year? $2 billion dollars a year? Pick a number? Who knows? A full forensic audit of our entire state government is needed immediately.
We do know that the Connecticut Democrat Party does seem to care nor worry about laws or audits in the state when it comes to accounting for Connecticut Taxpayers monies. The waste continues day in and day out, year in and year out. It is never ending.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
The Failures Of More Taxes In Connecticut
It is economically irrational to believe that new and or increased taxes will resolve any existing problems in the state of Connecticut.
For example, tolls and the supposed revenue that will be gained from them will repair the state's road and highway system. There is already in place a fund and specific taxes that should be used for this but is moved in to the state's general fund for spending elsewhere. Tolls will only raise the cost of living in Connecticut.
Another example is a 35% excise tax on all ammunition sold in Connecticut in order to deter the use of guns and thus reduce violence, crime and murders in the state. There are many fallacies to this tax as in my opinion and the opinion of many others all the tax will do is penalize law abiding citizens who hunt and use guns for target shooting, etc. in a legal manner. A hardened criminal will continue to obtain guns and ammunition in usually illegal manners in order to rob someone, rob a business and or murder someone. Since Connecticut has created more and more laws to encourage illegal actions and behaviors it should be no surprise that there has been a massive increase in crime over the past few years. The death penalty has been eliminated in the state thus that law gets criminals off the hook and they are now supported for the rest of their lives by legal Connecticut Taxpayers in prison. For the most part these criminals are not reformed by being sentenced to life in prison. And what happened to the right of those individuals who they hurt, maimed and or killed? Obviously their rights do not matter to the Connecticut Democrat Party. Nor will a 35% tax on ammunition deter criminals either, it is just another failure of Connecticut's Utopian liberalism when it comes to treating those violent criminals that roam our state especially our decaying cities.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to fuel the wasteful spending that we see in Hartford on a daily basis.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to keep a ruling Connecticut Democrat elite in power.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to keep Connecticut in an economic recession that the state can never get out of.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to keep a bloated bureaucracy operational to suffice the needs of a failed political nepotism system that is constantly propped up by these taxes.
More, new and or higher taxes fail Connecticut on a daily basis.
Enough is enough.
For example, tolls and the supposed revenue that will be gained from them will repair the state's road and highway system. There is already in place a fund and specific taxes that should be used for this but is moved in to the state's general fund for spending elsewhere. Tolls will only raise the cost of living in Connecticut.
Another example is a 35% excise tax on all ammunition sold in Connecticut in order to deter the use of guns and thus reduce violence, crime and murders in the state. There are many fallacies to this tax as in my opinion and the opinion of many others all the tax will do is penalize law abiding citizens who hunt and use guns for target shooting, etc. in a legal manner. A hardened criminal will continue to obtain guns and ammunition in usually illegal manners in order to rob someone, rob a business and or murder someone. Since Connecticut has created more and more laws to encourage illegal actions and behaviors it should be no surprise that there has been a massive increase in crime over the past few years. The death penalty has been eliminated in the state thus that law gets criminals off the hook and they are now supported for the rest of their lives by legal Connecticut Taxpayers in prison. For the most part these criminals are not reformed by being sentenced to life in prison. And what happened to the right of those individuals who they hurt, maimed and or killed? Obviously their rights do not matter to the Connecticut Democrat Party. Nor will a 35% tax on ammunition deter criminals either, it is just another failure of Connecticut's Utopian liberalism when it comes to treating those violent criminals that roam our state especially our decaying cities.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to fuel the wasteful spending that we see in Hartford on a daily basis.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to keep a ruling Connecticut Democrat elite in power.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to keep Connecticut in an economic recession that the state can never get out of.
More, new and or higher taxes serve no purpose other than to keep a bloated bureaucracy operational to suffice the needs of a failed political nepotism system that is constantly propped up by these taxes.
More, new and or higher taxes fail Connecticut on a daily basis.
Enough is enough.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Connecticut Still Needs To Cut Spending
No Tolls was heard loud and clear by a bunch of scared and frightened Connecticut Democrat legislators who feared for their political lives this past week in Hartford. The Connecticut Republican Party at the same time decided enough was enough and broke out of their political hibernation and decided they would read each word of the political pork toll bill in session and stage a 30 hour filibuster on the bill to stop it. The Connecticut Democrat Party became outraged by this action realizing that a majority of legal taxpayers in the state were against tolls. They expected to ram these new "user fee tax tolls" with ease as they rammed massive tax increases on the state for years now. The new toll bill would in my opinion quickly spiral into massive tolls on all vehicles with a high per mile "user fee tax tolls" implemented on all drivers in the state. The money from these "user fee tax tolls" we all know would not go to fix and or repair our bridges, roads and highways, it would find its way into the general fund. Therefore we would continue to see massive budget deficits each year, an increasing $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and no repairs done to the road system.
It is ironic that the state actually has a transportation fund that if it wasn't raided yearly by the Connecticut Democrat Party would pay for the upkeep and repairs to our bridge and road system. It is also ironic that if the state cut spending across the board from 2 to 5% there would be more than enough money to pay for the upkeep and repairs to our bridge and road system. It is also ironic that Governor Lamont illegally held up municipal aid to our towns and cities in order to get his failed tolls system passed. Now the money gets freed up nine months late in violation of the passed state budget and the state constitution. Sickening to say the least.
Connecticut really needs to cuts its spending. It can no longer afford its overpaid Commissioners and political high and mid level managers any more. There is no checks and balances in our government that oversee wasteful and fraudulent state spending, corporate welfare and or failed state programs that do nothing for the state except waste legal Connecticut Taxpayers monies. Programs remain funded that offer nothing to the state. Political expedient state funded programs especially in the University system remain paid in full with no results except for keeping politcal appointments in a Taxpayer funded job for life.
Governor Lamont unfortunately really can not led the state as shown by his constant lies about tolls. How he ever made it in business is beyond me and many other legal Connecticut Taxpayers. And now is the time for the Connecticut Republican Party since they are awake to present on a daily basis areas to cut state spending, improve state government efficiencies and develop a plan to address the $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. The time is now with this minor victory over tolls.
Make no mistake tolls will continue to be offered as the only alternative to repair the roads by the Connecticut Democrat Party. And make no mistake that if the state actually were to cut its wasteful and fraudulent spending, bridges and roads would be fixed while taxes would go down in both the short and long run along with a lowering of the state's massive debt.
It can be done. Connecticut can cut its spending and needs to start today.
It is ironic that the state actually has a transportation fund that if it wasn't raided yearly by the Connecticut Democrat Party would pay for the upkeep and repairs to our bridge and road system. It is also ironic that if the state cut spending across the board from 2 to 5% there would be more than enough money to pay for the upkeep and repairs to our bridge and road system. It is also ironic that Governor Lamont illegally held up municipal aid to our towns and cities in order to get his failed tolls system passed. Now the money gets freed up nine months late in violation of the passed state budget and the state constitution. Sickening to say the least.
Connecticut really needs to cuts its spending. It can no longer afford its overpaid Commissioners and political high and mid level managers any more. There is no checks and balances in our government that oversee wasteful and fraudulent state spending, corporate welfare and or failed state programs that do nothing for the state except waste legal Connecticut Taxpayers monies. Programs remain funded that offer nothing to the state. Political expedient state funded programs especially in the University system remain paid in full with no results except for keeping politcal appointments in a Taxpayer funded job for life.
Governor Lamont unfortunately really can not led the state as shown by his constant lies about tolls. How he ever made it in business is beyond me and many other legal Connecticut Taxpayers. And now is the time for the Connecticut Republican Party since they are awake to present on a daily basis areas to cut state spending, improve state government efficiencies and develop a plan to address the $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. The time is now with this minor victory over tolls.
Make no mistake tolls will continue to be offered as the only alternative to repair the roads by the Connecticut Democrat Party. And make no mistake that if the state actually were to cut its wasteful and fraudulent spending, bridges and roads would be fixed while taxes would go down in both the short and long run along with a lowering of the state's massive debt.
It can be done. Connecticut can cut its spending and needs to start today.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Why Cut Connecticut State Spending?
Why cut Connecticut state spending?
I mean why?
Why is it necessary?
Connecticut has only $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. A staggering figure for a state as small as Connecticut. If the state does not spend its bloated budget for seven years straight it would pay off this debt but would not have one cent to feed the political trough known as our state government.
Connecticut continues to lag behind the rest of the country in economic development, economic growth, job creation, new business development and business friendliness along with having the highest property taxes and state taxes in the country. It continues to be a bottom five rank in most if not all economic categories.
Why cut Connecticut state spending?
I mean why?
Why is it necessary?
This short legislative session is more of the same increases in taxes, increases in spending along with new laws to take away legal Connecticut residents freedoms. The biggest new tax, a socialist's dream is the full implementation of tolls first for trucks and then for cars. The new toll tax will further cement Connecticut's economic nightmare of more population losses, more businesses moving out of state, more taxes and a much higher cost of living for the legal working middle class. The new toll tax should make Connecticut rank 50 out of 50 in all economic categories in the near future while doing nothing at all to repair or maintain the road system in the state. More lies by the Connecticut Democrat Party in the face of massive opposition to this new toll tax.
There is a simplistic solution to Connecticut's economic debt and chronic budget deficits.
Cut spending.
It is a simplistic approach that never is spoken in Hartford. An across the board cut in salaries, benefits and all state agencies budgets from 2% to 10%. There is no longer any justification for the excessive salaries, benefits and pensions that are being paid out to state commissioners and state union and management workers. As a taxpayer I can not see either efficiencies nor the value of overpaying these state workers? Have they streamlined any processes? Have they found ways to save money in their departments? Will any procedures be developed to make their departments more user friendly to Connecticut Taxpayers? Why are their budgets increased yearly? What are the economic justifications?
Instead we have more of the same inefficient, bloated state bureaucracy and political nepotism in place in our state government.
Cutting state spending and making state spending more efficient is critical to getting Connecticut back on track economically. However with the bunch of political losers and hacks who govern us we will never see it. Cutting state spending and making state spending more efficient would start to attract new businesses without state government corporate welfare that is so well known in Connecticut and does nothing to create jobs or tax revenues.
Connecticut Taxpayers need to demand cuts in spending in the areas that I stated earlier. It will be the only way for Connecticut to survive economically. By the way, NO TOLLS either. That is another lie force fed to us by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Cut state spending today.
I mean why?
Why is it necessary?
Connecticut has only $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities. A staggering figure for a state as small as Connecticut. If the state does not spend its bloated budget for seven years straight it would pay off this debt but would not have one cent to feed the political trough known as our state government.
Connecticut continues to lag behind the rest of the country in economic development, economic growth, job creation, new business development and business friendliness along with having the highest property taxes and state taxes in the country. It continues to be a bottom five rank in most if not all economic categories.
Why cut Connecticut state spending?
I mean why?
Why is it necessary?
This short legislative session is more of the same increases in taxes, increases in spending along with new laws to take away legal Connecticut residents freedoms. The biggest new tax, a socialist's dream is the full implementation of tolls first for trucks and then for cars. The new toll tax will further cement Connecticut's economic nightmare of more population losses, more businesses moving out of state, more taxes and a much higher cost of living for the legal working middle class. The new toll tax should make Connecticut rank 50 out of 50 in all economic categories in the near future while doing nothing at all to repair or maintain the road system in the state. More lies by the Connecticut Democrat Party in the face of massive opposition to this new toll tax.
There is a simplistic solution to Connecticut's economic debt and chronic budget deficits.
Cut spending.
It is a simplistic approach that never is spoken in Hartford. An across the board cut in salaries, benefits and all state agencies budgets from 2% to 10%. There is no longer any justification for the excessive salaries, benefits and pensions that are being paid out to state commissioners and state union and management workers. As a taxpayer I can not see either efficiencies nor the value of overpaying these state workers? Have they streamlined any processes? Have they found ways to save money in their departments? Will any procedures be developed to make their departments more user friendly to Connecticut Taxpayers? Why are their budgets increased yearly? What are the economic justifications?
Instead we have more of the same inefficient, bloated state bureaucracy and political nepotism in place in our state government.
Cutting state spending and making state spending more efficient is critical to getting Connecticut back on track economically. However with the bunch of political losers and hacks who govern us we will never see it. Cutting state spending and making state spending more efficient would start to attract new businesses without state government corporate welfare that is so well known in Connecticut and does nothing to create jobs or tax revenues.
Connecticut Taxpayers need to demand cuts in spending in the areas that I stated earlier. It will be the only way for Connecticut to survive economically. By the way, NO TOLLS either. That is another lie force fed to us by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Cut state spending today.
Saturday, February 01, 2020
Connecticut's Constant Debt
Lost is the euphoric conversations about the economic greatness of tolls is Connecticut's $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities especially pension liabilities. This $140 billion dollars of debt seems always to be ignored by the ruling elite of the Connecticut Democrat Party and by our biased state media. This current economically unsustainable budget has already $96 million dollars in deficits and we still can not get an answer from any elected official as to where and what the supposed $500 million dollars in cuts are coming from that were part of this current budget to help balance it.
I guess our state government is just based on lies.
Lies about tolls.
Lies about how much revenue will come from the banning of plastic bags and its tax.
Lies about the highest income earning Connecticut Taxpayers and the taxes they pay since they are moving out of state on a daily basis.
Lies about the net migration of population moving out of state and the economic impact it is having on the state.
Lies about about cutting spending.
Lies about how the last three largest tax increases in the state history over the past ten years still can not either address the $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and or balance the current budget. All we have seen is the debt grow even higher and higher with no end in sight.
There is a simple politically unpopular solution to Connecticut's economic mess. Cut state spending. Cut the bloated salaries of the state commissioners and their budgets. Cut the ridiculous grandfathered pensions of a chosen few. Do more with less money as Connecticut Taxpayers must do on a daily basis to survive in this state.
Connecticut has constant debt that continues to erode our state's economic health and well being. Any way the Connecticut Democrat Party tries to sugarcoat it the problem is visible and horrific for the state.
However the upcoming short session of the state legislature will feature the desperate need for tolls and probably new and or higher taxes to address the budget deficit.
I guess our state government is just based on lies. Nothing really changes in Connecticut does it?
I guess our state government is just based on lies.
Lies about tolls.
Lies about how much revenue will come from the banning of plastic bags and its tax.
Lies about the highest income earning Connecticut Taxpayers and the taxes they pay since they are moving out of state on a daily basis.
Lies about the net migration of population moving out of state and the economic impact it is having on the state.
Lies about about cutting spending.
Lies about how the last three largest tax increases in the state history over the past ten years still can not either address the $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and or balance the current budget. All we have seen is the debt grow even higher and higher with no end in sight.
There is a simple politically unpopular solution to Connecticut's economic mess. Cut state spending. Cut the bloated salaries of the state commissioners and their budgets. Cut the ridiculous grandfathered pensions of a chosen few. Do more with less money as Connecticut Taxpayers must do on a daily basis to survive in this state.
Connecticut has constant debt that continues to erode our state's economic health and well being. Any way the Connecticut Democrat Party tries to sugarcoat it the problem is visible and horrific for the state.
However the upcoming short session of the state legislature will feature the desperate need for tolls and probably new and or higher taxes to address the budget deficit.
I guess our state government is just based on lies. Nothing really changes in Connecticut does it?
Saturday, January 25, 2020
The Continuing Lies Of Connecticut's New Tolls
The continuing lies being told about Connecticut's new tolls truly astound me.
They are being called user fees. They are being called as the only way roads and bridges can be fixed. They are being called as a way to revitalize Connecticut's economy. They are being called as a way to improve train service so commuters can get into Grand Central Station ten minutes sooner. They are being called as a way to help create new unionized jobs. They are being called the greatest revenue producer since the ill fated state income tax.
These are all lies by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
All new tolls are a power grab to take more money out of Connecticut's economy to give to a bloated and inefficient state government that has failed miserably to address our failing state economy.
All new tolls help to satisfy the powerful union lobby in Hartford.
All new tolls help to further erode the state's struggling economy.
All new tolls help to increase the costs of living and to do business in the state.
All new tolls will be an economic disaster when revenues fail to match the state's overly optimistic projections of what they will bring in revenue.
There has been no transparency with the Connecticut Democrat Party's toll program. We really still have no idea how much they will be nor how much they will bring in revenue. We really don't know where the money is going to go to fix what roads and when.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have massive budget deficits.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have poor roads and bridges.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have over $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have the same economic nightmare that has existed in the state since 1991 and the ill thought out Utopian state income tax.
What a waste of Connecticut's economic resources and its constant redistribution of income and wealth to the Connecticut Democrat Party and its political hacks.
Tolls will not solve anything in Connecticut.
The continuing lies about Connecticut's new tolls sicken me.
No Tolls.
They will not work. Cut spending instead. That always falls on deaf ears.
They are being called user fees. They are being called as the only way roads and bridges can be fixed. They are being called as a way to revitalize Connecticut's economy. They are being called as a way to improve train service so commuters can get into Grand Central Station ten minutes sooner. They are being called as a way to help create new unionized jobs. They are being called the greatest revenue producer since the ill fated state income tax.
These are all lies by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
All new tolls are a power grab to take more money out of Connecticut's economy to give to a bloated and inefficient state government that has failed miserably to address our failing state economy.
All new tolls help to satisfy the powerful union lobby in Hartford.
All new tolls help to further erode the state's struggling economy.
All new tolls help to increase the costs of living and to do business in the state.
All new tolls will be an economic disaster when revenues fail to match the state's overly optimistic projections of what they will bring in revenue.
There has been no transparency with the Connecticut Democrat Party's toll program. We really still have no idea how much they will be nor how much they will bring in revenue. We really don't know where the money is going to go to fix what roads and when.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have massive budget deficits.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have poor roads and bridges.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have over $140 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.
And with these new tolls Connecticut will still have the same economic nightmare that has existed in the state since 1991 and the ill thought out Utopian state income tax.
What a waste of Connecticut's economic resources and its constant redistribution of income and wealth to the Connecticut Democrat Party and its political hacks.
Tolls will not solve anything in Connecticut.
The continuing lies about Connecticut's new tolls sicken me.
No Tolls.
They will not work. Cut spending instead. That always falls on deaf ears.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Yet Another Bad Week For Connecticut Taxpayers
It was yet another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers.
It seems like every week is another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers.
This week we learn that the state paid a Connecticut Democrat Party donor a mere $5.5 million dollars for his property in 2018 only to sell it for $1.7 million dollars recently. Connecticut Taxpayers must lose $3.8 million dollars in this unethical deal. The silence is deafening by the Omnipotent Connecticut Democrat Party on this transaction.
Connecticut Taxpayers are no closer to finding out where the supposed $500 million dollars in savings is supposed to coming from to help balance the already unbalanced state budget. When are going to get this information?
Connecticut Taxpayers are being force fed daily the greatness of tolls. Even though we find out this week by the Yankee Institute that the Special Transportation fund has been raided numerous times for hundreds of millions of dollars by the Connecticut Democrat Party. Money that in my opinion would more than offset the supposed need for tolls in the state. If Governor Lamont and his "experts" became much more efficient in their spending of Connecticut Taxpayers monies there would be much more cash to fix our roads and bridges. However all the Connecticut Democrat Party knows how to do is to tax more new items and services and to increase taxes.
Connecticut Taxpayers now get to pay sales tax on parking in municipal parking lots. Even though these lots are maintained by Connecticut Taxpayers and local taxpayers.
Connecticut Taxpayers continue to see a massive outflow of taxpayers in the state thus lowering tax revenues. The facts of this constant net migration of population out of the state seems to be constantly ignored by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in an economically irrational manner. Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in an unethical manner. Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government responds to its ruling political elite only. And Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in a way that shows total disrespect for them on a daily basis.
The battle lines are drawn for the upcoming election in November in a state spiraling out of control economically. I just wonder how many more bad weeks in a row can Connecticut Taxpayers survive.
It seems like every week is another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers.
This week we learn that the state paid a Connecticut Democrat Party donor a mere $5.5 million dollars for his property in 2018 only to sell it for $1.7 million dollars recently. Connecticut Taxpayers must lose $3.8 million dollars in this unethical deal. The silence is deafening by the Omnipotent Connecticut Democrat Party on this transaction.
Connecticut Taxpayers are no closer to finding out where the supposed $500 million dollars in savings is supposed to coming from to help balance the already unbalanced state budget. When are going to get this information?
Connecticut Taxpayers are being force fed daily the greatness of tolls. Even though we find out this week by the Yankee Institute that the Special Transportation fund has been raided numerous times for hundreds of millions of dollars by the Connecticut Democrat Party. Money that in my opinion would more than offset the supposed need for tolls in the state. If Governor Lamont and his "experts" became much more efficient in their spending of Connecticut Taxpayers monies there would be much more cash to fix our roads and bridges. However all the Connecticut Democrat Party knows how to do is to tax more new items and services and to increase taxes.
Connecticut Taxpayers now get to pay sales tax on parking in municipal parking lots. Even though these lots are maintained by Connecticut Taxpayers and local taxpayers.
Connecticut Taxpayers continue to see a massive outflow of taxpayers in the state thus lowering tax revenues. The facts of this constant net migration of population out of the state seems to be constantly ignored by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in an economically irrational manner. Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in an unethical manner. Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government responds to its ruling political elite only. And Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in a way that shows total disrespect for them on a daily basis.
The battle lines are drawn for the upcoming election in November in a state spiraling out of control economically. I just wonder how many more bad weeks in a row can Connecticut Taxpayers survive.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
You Say You Want A Connecticut Tax
You say you want a Connecticut Revolution
Well you know,
We all want to change Connecticut.
You tell me that it is taxation
Well you know,
We all want to change Connecticut.
Well you know,
We all want to change Connecticut.
You tell me that it is taxation
Well you know,
We all want to change Connecticut.
But when you talk about economic destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know that you can count me out
I really don't think it's gonna be
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.
You say you got an economic solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan but its always tax and spend.
You ask me to pay more taxes and tolls.
Well, you know
We can't pay any more.
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan but its always tax and spend.
You ask me to pay more taxes and tolls.
Well, you know
We can't pay any more.
But if you want money for your political nepotism
All I can tell is Governor Lamont you have to wait.
All I can tell is Governor Lamont you have to wait.
I really don't think it's gonna be
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.
You say you disregard the state constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your blatant disregard for Connecticut Taxpayers.
You tell me it's the taxes and tolls
Well, you know
You better think twice before you vote for tolls
Well, you know
We all want to change your blatant disregard for Connecticut Taxpayers.
You tell me it's the taxes and tolls
Well, you know
You better think twice before you vote for tolls
Cause you will lose at the polls.
But if you go carrying signs of Pro Tolls
You ain't going to make it with Connecticut Taxpayers anyhow.
You ain't going to make it with Connecticut Taxpayers anyhow.
I really don't think it's gonna be
All right, all right, you still tax and spend
All right, all right, you still tax and spend
All right, all right, you still tax and spend
All right, all right, you still tax and spend
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.
I guess the Beatles were right-history repeats itself. The Connecticut Democrat Party repeats the same failed economic policies year in and year out since the dawning of the State Income Tax. Economic failures over and over again. New and higher taxes over and over again. The same economic problems over and over again 30 years and counting.
I really don't think it's gonna be all right.
I really don't think it's gonna be all right.
Saturday, January 04, 2020
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
Now get to work and pay your increased and new taxes of all shapes and sizes in the land of omnipotent one party Democrat rule Connecticut.
2020 is starting off like most of the past thirty years here in Connecticut with budget deficits, massive unfunded liabilities, massive short and long term debt, high taxes, a net migration of population moving out of the state, high business taxes, and one of poorest business climates in the country.
Connecticut continues to lag from the rest of the country in all things economy wise. And the economic debacle that continues in 2020 is the platform that the Connecticut Democrat Party will be running on for the General Assembly in 2020. A platform of more and higher taxes, tolls, and move out of the state if you don't like it.
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
The state has again many economic issues to try to confront in the new decade.
How is the state going to pay for the $100 billion dollars in unfunded liabilities for state pensions and benefits?
How is the state going to pay for the $40 billion dollars in short and long term debt it has created?
Why is the 20% of the state budget going for salaries, benefits and pensions for roughly a half of per cent of the population?
What is the state doing to try to attract new businesses that provide jobs and pay taxes besides failed corporate welfare programs that Connecticut Taxpayers must pay for?
What is the state doing to find the $500 million dollars in savings that it was supposed to have in the current budget? There has been no discussion on this whatsoever?
What happened to the programs that have been moved off the state budget? How are they being funded and why were they hidden?
What causes more people to move out of our state every year? Why does anyone want to move into Connecticut? High taxes? Poor job prospects?
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
What is the real plan to save Connecticut from economic ruin is the question every legal Connecticut Taxpayer should be asking its State Representatives and State Senators. Why are they doing to turn the state around if anything?
We have serious economic problems in 2020 here in Connecticut and they really need some answers by our highly paid state officials. In one of the greatest economic expansions in our nation's history it is pathetic to see how bad our state economy is. And the remaining legal Connecticut Voters and Taxpayers need their voices to be finally heard on November 3, 2020.
Now get to work and pay your increased and new taxes of all shapes and sizes in the land of omnipotent one party Democrat rule Connecticut.
2020 is starting off like most of the past thirty years here in Connecticut with budget deficits, massive unfunded liabilities, massive short and long term debt, high taxes, a net migration of population moving out of the state, high business taxes, and one of poorest business climates in the country.
Connecticut continues to lag from the rest of the country in all things economy wise. And the economic debacle that continues in 2020 is the platform that the Connecticut Democrat Party will be running on for the General Assembly in 2020. A platform of more and higher taxes, tolls, and move out of the state if you don't like it.
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
The state has again many economic issues to try to confront in the new decade.
How is the state going to pay for the $100 billion dollars in unfunded liabilities for state pensions and benefits?
How is the state going to pay for the $40 billion dollars in short and long term debt it has created?
Why is the 20% of the state budget going for salaries, benefits and pensions for roughly a half of per cent of the population?
What is the state doing to try to attract new businesses that provide jobs and pay taxes besides failed corporate welfare programs that Connecticut Taxpayers must pay for?
What is the state doing to find the $500 million dollars in savings that it was supposed to have in the current budget? There has been no discussion on this whatsoever?
What happened to the programs that have been moved off the state budget? How are they being funded and why were they hidden?
What causes more people to move out of our state every year? Why does anyone want to move into Connecticut? High taxes? Poor job prospects?
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
What is the real plan to save Connecticut from economic ruin is the question every legal Connecticut Taxpayer should be asking its State Representatives and State Senators. Why are they doing to turn the state around if anything?
We have serious economic problems in 2020 here in Connecticut and they really need some answers by our highly paid state officials. In one of the greatest economic expansions in our nation's history it is pathetic to see how bad our state economy is. And the remaining legal Connecticut Voters and Taxpayers need their voices to be finally heard on November 3, 2020.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Connecticut's Newest Gasoline Tax:Coming Soon
Connecticut's Liberal Democrat Party are hoping for yet more destruction of the state economy by imposing a new regional gasoline tax to combat supposed climate change in the state. The Yankee Institute reported this week that a regional cap and trade system for gasoline distribution initiated by the little known Transportation and Climate Initiative would force gasoline distributors to purchase carbon allowances in an auction type format and that money (less expenses?) would be used to invest more into failed mass transit systems, failed electric vehicles, etc. All in the name of supposed climate change. This proposal was developed through the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative who is funded by some of the following groups:the Barr Foundation, Energy Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, John D. and
Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, John Merck Fund, New York Community
Trust, Town Creek Foundation, and its core funder, the Rockefeller Brothers
Fund.
I did not realize that as a Connecticut Taxpayer and legal citizen that I am now subjected to forced mandates by this group and do not have a say whatsoever in this new policy. I personally thought that Connecticut still had legally elected State Representatives and Senators that voted on bills that were legally signed into law by the Governor as per our state constitution. I do not remember when we ceded our energy taxes and policies to the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative? However in 2010 then Governor Dan Malloy agreed in principal to these plans. Governor Lamont apparently has the ability to decree this as law without a vote.
And how will this new founded windfall of cash be distributed? Who gets what? Who decides the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative?
I personally have never seen a more ridiculous plan trying to be implemented in Connecticut. And what is the actual tax? Reports are estimating 12 to 14 cents a gallon currently. Is there a limit to this tax? How does the tax get collected? Can the tax be diverted in Connecticut like all other gasoline and diesel taxes and lumped into the state's general fund?
If we look at the state's failure with its "Green Bank" which taxes Connecticut consumers electric bills helping the state have the highest electric rates in the country through a similar carbon tax-why do we now need this new carbon tax? And this fund has been raided by the Connecticut Democrat Party to pay for budget deficits and not "clean air".
Once again legal Connecticut Taxpayers and consumers are being led down the road to economic oblivion with this new gasoline tax. By the way Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has rejected the Transportation and Climate Initiative four days ago for his state and will participate in it.
It is too bad the free markets are not allowed to come up with their own solutions for this supposed liberal problem. It is too bad the Connecticut Democrat Party continues to ruin Connecticut economically.
I did not realize that as a Connecticut Taxpayer and legal citizen that I am now subjected to forced mandates by this group and do not have a say whatsoever in this new policy. I personally thought that Connecticut still had legally elected State Representatives and Senators that voted on bills that were legally signed into law by the Governor as per our state constitution. I do not remember when we ceded our energy taxes and policies to the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative? However in 2010 then Governor Dan Malloy agreed in principal to these plans. Governor Lamont apparently has the ability to decree this as law without a vote.
And how will this new founded windfall of cash be distributed? Who gets what? Who decides the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative?
I personally have never seen a more ridiculous plan trying to be implemented in Connecticut. And what is the actual tax? Reports are estimating 12 to 14 cents a gallon currently. Is there a limit to this tax? How does the tax get collected? Can the tax be diverted in Connecticut like all other gasoline and diesel taxes and lumped into the state's general fund?
If we look at the state's failure with its "Green Bank" which taxes Connecticut consumers electric bills helping the state have the highest electric rates in the country through a similar carbon tax-why do we now need this new carbon tax? And this fund has been raided by the Connecticut Democrat Party to pay for budget deficits and not "clean air".
Once again legal Connecticut Taxpayers and consumers are being led down the road to economic oblivion with this new gasoline tax. By the way Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has rejected the Transportation and Climate Initiative four days ago for his state and will participate in it.
It is too bad the free markets are not allowed to come up with their own solutions for this supposed liberal problem. It is too bad the Connecticut Democrat Party continues to ruin Connecticut economically.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Governor Lamont-Connecticut's Can't Governor
Ned Lamont supposedly won the Connecticut Governor's race back in 2018. He helped the Connecticut Democrat Party by spending a huge amount of his money to help buy his way into office thus preserving the Connecticut Democrat Party's monies to help them buy their way into other state offices and races.
Although Ned Lamont had some political experience being a former Greenwich selectman and losing several races on both a state and federal level, he seems lost as Governor. He can't really do anything for the betterment of the state and its taxpayers. He apparently has surrounded himself with ineffective aides and commissioners along with flipping his positions numerous times on issues especially tolls. A grassroots organization called No Tolls Connecticut has taken down the Governor on the tolls issue showing the public that one can fight and win over Connecticut state government economic stupidity and nepotism. Lamont has catered to his liberal base while energizing moderate and conservative taxpayers to fight his ridiculous policies and ideas.
The can't Governor also does not realize the folly that Connecticut has become as far its catering to its superior political elite and ruling class. The recent reports that the state has $125 billion dollars in unfunded pension and pension benefits liabilities earned a collective yawn from the Connecticut Democrat Party and Lamont. The state now has depending on how one researches it (since it is very secretive information) roughly $160 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities including pensions. The can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party have not offered one bit of information as to where they are developing the $500 million dollars in budget savings that was included in this past partisan budget for the state. One could argue clearly that both revenue and savings estimates are no where near where they should be thus the state will once again have a massive budget deficit in January. Oh well the can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party will once again shrug it off and demand more taxes, tolls, etc. to balance the always unbalanced state budget.
I personally believe Connecticut voters and taxpayers are having the great awakening to the can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party. They are seeing the folly of their inability to lead and govern. They are seeing what a grassroots organization like No Tolls Connecticut is having on our elected officials. They are seeing the daily lies being force fed to them by a biased state media. And they are seeing people flee the state on a daily basis moving to lower taxed along with more personal freedom states such as Florida and Tennessee.
The can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party is starting to lose their ruthless grip on the state. The tide has turned. Years of economic inefficiencies along with a failed state command economy coupled with political corruption and nepotism has brought the state to its knees.
The Connecticut Taxpayer can't really take any more of our can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Although Ned Lamont had some political experience being a former Greenwich selectman and losing several races on both a state and federal level, he seems lost as Governor. He can't really do anything for the betterment of the state and its taxpayers. He apparently has surrounded himself with ineffective aides and commissioners along with flipping his positions numerous times on issues especially tolls. A grassroots organization called No Tolls Connecticut has taken down the Governor on the tolls issue showing the public that one can fight and win over Connecticut state government economic stupidity and nepotism. Lamont has catered to his liberal base while energizing moderate and conservative taxpayers to fight his ridiculous policies and ideas.
The can't Governor also does not realize the folly that Connecticut has become as far its catering to its superior political elite and ruling class. The recent reports that the state has $125 billion dollars in unfunded pension and pension benefits liabilities earned a collective yawn from the Connecticut Democrat Party and Lamont. The state now has depending on how one researches it (since it is very secretive information) roughly $160 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities including pensions. The can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party have not offered one bit of information as to where they are developing the $500 million dollars in budget savings that was included in this past partisan budget for the state. One could argue clearly that both revenue and savings estimates are no where near where they should be thus the state will once again have a massive budget deficit in January. Oh well the can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party will once again shrug it off and demand more taxes, tolls, etc. to balance the always unbalanced state budget.
I personally believe Connecticut voters and taxpayers are having the great awakening to the can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party. They are seeing the folly of their inability to lead and govern. They are seeing what a grassroots organization like No Tolls Connecticut is having on our elected officials. They are seeing the daily lies being force fed to them by a biased state media. And they are seeing people flee the state on a daily basis moving to lower taxed along with more personal freedom states such as Florida and Tennessee.
The can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party is starting to lose their ruthless grip on the state. The tide has turned. Years of economic inefficiencies along with a failed state command economy coupled with political corruption and nepotism has brought the state to its knees.
The Connecticut Taxpayer can't really take any more of our can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Saturday, December 07, 2019
Connecticut The State That Can't
Connecticut to me does not seem to be the Constitution State any more with years of omnipotent one party rule.
Connecticut has turned into the Can't state.
It can't seem to cut state spending it can only only increase state spending.
It can't seem to cut state taxes it can only increase and create new taxes.
It can't seem to understand and utilize a lock box for transportation projects only lobby for tolls.
It can't seem to understand that the majority of those people who drive in Connecticut do not want tolls. No tolls must be constantly communicated to the Connecticut Democrat Party on a daily basis.
It can't seem to understand that withholding municipal aid to towns for snow removal because there are no toils in the state is both illegal and violates its own statutory budget it signed into law.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut has still not recovered from the recession of 2007-08.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut continues to lose high paying jobs since our taxes are so high.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut continues to lose business and industry since our taxes are so high.
It can't seem to understand that constitutional amendment to have a balanced budget it what that means not chronic budget deficits.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut has in excess of $160 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and pension liabilities. There is no plan whatsoever to address this.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut government has no transparency.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's State Treasurer is violating his office and breaking the law by divesting state investments from gun companies to make a political stand.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's legal system has no transparency any more. Legal Connecticut citizens have little protection when their rights have been violated and or have been stolen from.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut government works only for a ruling political elite with pay for play in full display from the amount of corporate welfare that is given to certain businesses with ties to the Connecticut Democrat Party.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut is last in most economic categories in the country.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut is in poor economic and fiscal shape.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's supposed leaders have failed miserably in providing any leadership whatsoever in dealing with the massive economic problems the state has.
Connecticut has turned into the Can't state. It Can't really do anything except protect its political ruling class and nurture the constant failure of its command state economy.
When will this economic madness end in Connecticut?
Connecticut has turned into the Can't state.
It can't seem to cut state spending it can only only increase state spending.
It can't seem to cut state taxes it can only increase and create new taxes.
It can't seem to understand and utilize a lock box for transportation projects only lobby for tolls.
It can't seem to understand that the majority of those people who drive in Connecticut do not want tolls. No tolls must be constantly communicated to the Connecticut Democrat Party on a daily basis.
It can't seem to understand that withholding municipal aid to towns for snow removal because there are no toils in the state is both illegal and violates its own statutory budget it signed into law.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut has still not recovered from the recession of 2007-08.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut continues to lose high paying jobs since our taxes are so high.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut continues to lose business and industry since our taxes are so high.
It can't seem to understand that constitutional amendment to have a balanced budget it what that means not chronic budget deficits.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut has in excess of $160 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and pension liabilities. There is no plan whatsoever to address this.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut government has no transparency.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's State Treasurer is violating his office and breaking the law by divesting state investments from gun companies to make a political stand.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's legal system has no transparency any more. Legal Connecticut citizens have little protection when their rights have been violated and or have been stolen from.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut government works only for a ruling political elite with pay for play in full display from the amount of corporate welfare that is given to certain businesses with ties to the Connecticut Democrat Party.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut is last in most economic categories in the country.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut is in poor economic and fiscal shape.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's supposed leaders have failed miserably in providing any leadership whatsoever in dealing with the massive economic problems the state has.
Connecticut has turned into the Can't state. It Can't really do anything except protect its political ruling class and nurture the constant failure of its command state economy.
When will this economic madness end in Connecticut?
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Connecticut's Constant Pension Crisis
Connecticut has had a constant crisis when it comes to trying fund its overly generous pensions to state and local management and union workers along with teachers and judges. A recent report by Pro Bono Public Pensions and written about by the Yankee Institute (https://yankeeinstitute.org/2019/11/21/connecticut-state-and-local-unfunded-retirement-obligations-top-124-billion/ ) that was issued this week stated that Connecticut has a $99.5 billion dollar unfunded pension liability and other post-employment benefits along with $22 billion dollars that is owned by Connecticut's municipalities for the same areas. These pension obligations are for 99,594 active and retired state employees and 87,952 active and retired teachers according to the state while also by law the state has to maintain pension funds for approximately 17,000
municipal employees and 493 judges, family support magistrates and
compensation commissioners.
If you do the math 205,039 past and present state and municipal employees will cost Connecticut Taxpayers approximately $125,000,000,000 in present and future tax dollars since the individuals getting the pensions and retirement benefits contribute very little to their plans. Thus the massive under funding of the plans. Connecticut has a total population of roughly 3,573,000 as of 2018. Thus almost 20% of the state budget now goes for salaries, benefits and pensions for roughly a half of per cent of the population. This unfunded liability represents almost seven complete state budgets or in other words if the state just spent every dollar from its budget on nothing else but these liabilities it would take roughly 14 years for this obligation to paid off (this also does not take into economic account all of the other state debt and bonds it has which is roughly another $40 billion dollars).
Putting it is even more simpler terms each citizen of the state would owe about $55,000 to the state for their share of this debt plus the other debts and liabilities the state owes. The Connecticut Democrat Party could easily pass a new unfunded liability tax on each Connecticut Taxpayer based on income while exempting their own political ruling class to help pay for this short fall.
Connecticut's pension crisis is a real economic crisis. It has been pushed aside for years.
As a Connecticut Taxpayer I wonder along with many others what is the justification for these high state management, union, judges and teachers salaries, benefits and pensions? I see many political appointments to these jobs when a Democrat candidate loses an election and or "retires" from public office (think of Ben Barnes). Are they bettering the state? I really can't see it since Connecticut is now roughly $140 billion dollars in debt and last or nearly last in the country in most economic and business categories while in the top five states for highest taxes in the country. I will assume that this is what these 205,039 past and present state and municipal employees have helped to develop and nurture over the years-what amounts to being a toxic economy.
What is the solution? Obviously the Connecticut Democrat Party along their media cheerleaders believe higher taxes in any and all forms will resolve this problem. But it hasn't and will not in the future. The current situation is economically unsustainable while Connecticut still has yet to recover completely from the 2008 recession.
Something is radically wrong with this system of salaries, benefits and pensions. It is unfair to the remaining legal Connecticut Taxpayers who are serfs in this Connecticut Democrat Party serfdom.
We should not have to live and work in these economic conditions. Fix the system seems always to fall on deaf ears. How about solving it today?
If you do the math 205,039 past and present state and municipal employees will cost Connecticut Taxpayers approximately $125,000,000,000 in present and future tax dollars since the individuals getting the pensions and retirement benefits contribute very little to their plans. Thus the massive under funding of the plans. Connecticut has a total population of roughly 3,573,000 as of 2018. Thus almost 20% of the state budget now goes for salaries, benefits and pensions for roughly a half of per cent of the population. This unfunded liability represents almost seven complete state budgets or in other words if the state just spent every dollar from its budget on nothing else but these liabilities it would take roughly 14 years for this obligation to paid off (this also does not take into economic account all of the other state debt and bonds it has which is roughly another $40 billion dollars).
Putting it is even more simpler terms each citizen of the state would owe about $55,000 to the state for their share of this debt plus the other debts and liabilities the state owes. The Connecticut Democrat Party could easily pass a new unfunded liability tax on each Connecticut Taxpayer based on income while exempting their own political ruling class to help pay for this short fall.
Connecticut's pension crisis is a real economic crisis. It has been pushed aside for years.
As a Connecticut Taxpayer I wonder along with many others what is the justification for these high state management, union, judges and teachers salaries, benefits and pensions? I see many political appointments to these jobs when a Democrat candidate loses an election and or "retires" from public office (think of Ben Barnes). Are they bettering the state? I really can't see it since Connecticut is now roughly $140 billion dollars in debt and last or nearly last in the country in most economic and business categories while in the top five states for highest taxes in the country. I will assume that this is what these 205,039 past and present state and municipal employees have helped to develop and nurture over the years-what amounts to being a toxic economy.
What is the solution? Obviously the Connecticut Democrat Party along their media cheerleaders believe higher taxes in any and all forms will resolve this problem. But it hasn't and will not in the future. The current situation is economically unsustainable while Connecticut still has yet to recover completely from the 2008 recession.
Something is radically wrong with this system of salaries, benefits and pensions. It is unfair to the remaining legal Connecticut Taxpayers who are serfs in this Connecticut Democrat Party serfdom.
We should not have to live and work in these economic conditions. Fix the system seems always to fall on deaf ears. How about solving it today?
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Connecticut's Constant Tax Crisis-No Tolls
The Connecticut Democrat Party seems to be besides themselves in always trying to raise taxes and to protect their ruling elite in Hartford.
Their new toll tax manufactured crisis is yet another example of a crisis to help create new toll taxes and yet more prevailing wage and excessive cost construction jobs for the state unions.
Some Democrat Senators are truly concerned now for their campaigns and seats next November since a majority of legal Connecticut Taxpayers are against tolls and will vote them out of office. In my opinion they should be voted out of office anyways since they have done nothing for our state other than create an economic nightmare and constant recession.
We do not need a toll tax. The monies will not go to repairing bridges and roads. There will be constant cost overruns to these tolls. The costs of administering tolls to the state will be enormous.
We do not need tolls. We need a functional unbiased financial analysis of what roads and bridges need to be repaired and how much will it cost. We need a competitive bid process for these same projects not a group of Connecticut Democrat Party donors and or lobbyists getting the work. We need a definitive time table as to when it will be completed. We need the original transportation funds and gas taxes that were earmarked for these repairs to go back into the DOT budget and be used as such. We need a full forensic audit of the DOT and its spending. We need answers as to why our roads and bridges are in such a state of disrepair.
We can compare these possible new tolls taxes with the complete failures of the ten cent a bag plastic bag tax, the $12 per homeowners insurance tax for crumbling foundations, the dry cleaners surcharge tax and the upcoming sales tax on dry cleaning effective 1/1/2020, the $2 tax per tire for tire disposal when buying new tires, the secret roughly 25 cents per gallon gross earnings tax on each gallon of gasoline you buy, the $250 tax on all LLC's in the state to file a three line form with the Secretary of State's office, etc., etc. The list of these taxes is really endless. Toll taxes will be no different. And I am confident they will do little to improve our road and bridge system. And I am confident Connecticut's $100 billion dollars in long and short term debt along with unfunded liabilities will only grow even more in the near future.
It is time for Connecticut's ruling political elite to come up with a much different plan to provide Connecticut drivers a efficient, functional and safe road system with the monies they already have. The Connecticut Republican Party's new plan is a start. Connecticut Taxpayers need to be respected by Connecticut Democrat Party and its cronies.
No Tolls. No they will not work. Our ruling elite need to figure out a new plan that does not include new taxes or tolls. They need to do it today.
No Tolls
Their new toll tax manufactured crisis is yet another example of a crisis to help create new toll taxes and yet more prevailing wage and excessive cost construction jobs for the state unions.
Some Democrat Senators are truly concerned now for their campaigns and seats next November since a majority of legal Connecticut Taxpayers are against tolls and will vote them out of office. In my opinion they should be voted out of office anyways since they have done nothing for our state other than create an economic nightmare and constant recession.
We do not need a toll tax. The monies will not go to repairing bridges and roads. There will be constant cost overruns to these tolls. The costs of administering tolls to the state will be enormous.
We do not need tolls. We need a functional unbiased financial analysis of what roads and bridges need to be repaired and how much will it cost. We need a competitive bid process for these same projects not a group of Connecticut Democrat Party donors and or lobbyists getting the work. We need a definitive time table as to when it will be completed. We need the original transportation funds and gas taxes that were earmarked for these repairs to go back into the DOT budget and be used as such. We need a full forensic audit of the DOT and its spending. We need answers as to why our roads and bridges are in such a state of disrepair.
We can compare these possible new tolls taxes with the complete failures of the ten cent a bag plastic bag tax, the $12 per homeowners insurance tax for crumbling foundations, the dry cleaners surcharge tax and the upcoming sales tax on dry cleaning effective 1/1/2020, the $2 tax per tire for tire disposal when buying new tires, the secret roughly 25 cents per gallon gross earnings tax on each gallon of gasoline you buy, the $250 tax on all LLC's in the state to file a three line form with the Secretary of State's office, etc., etc. The list of these taxes is really endless. Toll taxes will be no different. And I am confident they will do little to improve our road and bridge system. And I am confident Connecticut's $100 billion dollars in long and short term debt along with unfunded liabilities will only grow even more in the near future.
It is time for Connecticut's ruling political elite to come up with a much different plan to provide Connecticut drivers a efficient, functional and safe road system with the monies they already have. The Connecticut Republican Party's new plan is a start. Connecticut Taxpayers need to be respected by Connecticut Democrat Party and its cronies.
No Tolls. No they will not work. Our ruling elite need to figure out a new plan that does not include new taxes or tolls. They need to do it today.
No Tolls
Friday, November 08, 2019
Tolls Are Taxes
I wonder what part of No Tolls doesn't Ned Lamont or the Connecticut Democrat Party understand?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean new taxes for Connecticut drivers, taxpayers and businesses?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean new higher transportation costs that will be passed on to all in our state economy thus increasing the cost of living?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean more Connecticut bureaucracy and high costs to run the already failed program?
I wonder why there is going to be a toll on a part of Interstate 684 that is not even in Connecticut?
I wonder how many drivers will use non toll roads in order to avoid these tolls?
I wonder how fast will toll revenues decline from their projections?
I wonder how many out-of-state drivers will ignore the toll notifications they will get from the State of Connecticut and not pay the toll?
I wonder how quickly the temporary tolls will increase in costs and become permanent?
I wonder also how quickly the toll money gets diverted to the State's General Fund to pay for state union and management salaries, benefits and pensions?
I wonder how long will it take to actually repair the major road and bridge projects that are being proposed to be fixed by the Governor?
I wonder how many cost overruns will occur when these projects are being worked on?
I wonder how much more money has to be spent because these repairs can only be done by unions with no competitive bidding and with a forced prevailing wage rate being paid?
I wonder what Democrat political appointee will run this already failing toll program?
I wonder how much he or she will be paid also and why such an excessive amount of salary?
I wonder why Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Democrat Party have such a dislike and disrespect for the Connecticut Taxpayer especially since there is such a great opposition to tolls?
The Connecticut Democrat Party will once again damage the state economy with their new toll tax.
And for those members of the Connecticut Democrat Party who vote for tolls, they will lose at the polls in November.
NO TOLLS.
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean new taxes for Connecticut drivers, taxpayers and businesses?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean new higher transportation costs that will be passed on to all in our state economy thus increasing the cost of living?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean more Connecticut bureaucracy and high costs to run the already failed program?
I wonder why there is going to be a toll on a part of Interstate 684 that is not even in Connecticut?
I wonder how many drivers will use non toll roads in order to avoid these tolls?
I wonder how fast will toll revenues decline from their projections?
I wonder how many out-of-state drivers will ignore the toll notifications they will get from the State of Connecticut and not pay the toll?
I wonder how quickly the temporary tolls will increase in costs and become permanent?
I wonder also how quickly the toll money gets diverted to the State's General Fund to pay for state union and management salaries, benefits and pensions?
I wonder how long will it take to actually repair the major road and bridge projects that are being proposed to be fixed by the Governor?
I wonder how many cost overruns will occur when these projects are being worked on?
I wonder how much more money has to be spent because these repairs can only be done by unions with no competitive bidding and with a forced prevailing wage rate being paid?
I wonder what Democrat political appointee will run this already failing toll program?
I wonder how much he or she will be paid also and why such an excessive amount of salary?
I wonder why Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Democrat Party have such a dislike and disrespect for the Connecticut Taxpayer especially since there is such a great opposition to tolls?
The Connecticut Democrat Party will once again damage the state economy with their new toll tax.
And for those members of the Connecticut Democrat Party who vote for tolls, they will lose at the polls in November.
NO TOLLS.
Sunday, November 03, 2019
Connecticut's New Temporary Tolls Are Just New Taxes
What is a temporary toll? Here in Connecticut with a majority of drivers and businesses in opposition to tolls, 14 "temporary" tolls are now being introduced by our leaderless Governor Ned Lamont. The tolls are supposedly "temporary" in nature if one can understand the new complex program for approximately 20 years or until the time the state can pay back the Federal Transportation Administration for money borrowed to fix our failed highway, road and bridge system while making Metro North 15 minutes faster on some routes for their commuters. The state is going to borrow against future revenue streams claiming that there is no money as usual to pay for road repair.
That is what a "temporary" toll is going to look like in Connecticut. The tolls will be placed on most bridges making it close to impossible to avoid. Thus the Connecticut Democrat Party will have the best of all worlds with these new "temporary" tolls. The Connecticut Democrat Party gets a new tax in the form of a toll, gets to continue to divert road and highway funds to pay for state union and management salaries, benefits and pensions, and again like the state income make a "temporary" tax into a permanent one. The Connecticut Democrat Party economic reasoning defies any type of economic logic as these new toll taxes will only further the economic decline of the state.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut as drivers must find this money from their personal budgets in order to drive to work daily.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut as all deliveries will cost more and those increased costs of delivery for food, fuel and all essential goods and services get passed on to consumers in higher prices.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut while not guaranteeing any roads or highways get repaired in the long run since there will not be enough money in the future since toll revenues will not meet estimates. Thus tolls will have to go up as usual to meet these inflated estimates. I am also confident that most of the repair work will have no bids involved and thus the costs to repair will be astronomical.
Governor Lamont took the easy way out and has offered an unrealistic solution to fix our state's road and highway problems. New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut. The Connecticut Democrat Party gets what they want in new taxes so they can continue to tax and spend Connecticut into economic oblivion.
And once again legal Connecticut Taxpayers are ignored and shunned by our inept one party rule state government.
No Tolls.
That is what a "temporary" toll is going to look like in Connecticut. The tolls will be placed on most bridges making it close to impossible to avoid. Thus the Connecticut Democrat Party will have the best of all worlds with these new "temporary" tolls. The Connecticut Democrat Party gets a new tax in the form of a toll, gets to continue to divert road and highway funds to pay for state union and management salaries, benefits and pensions, and again like the state income make a "temporary" tax into a permanent one. The Connecticut Democrat Party economic reasoning defies any type of economic logic as these new toll taxes will only further the economic decline of the state.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut as drivers must find this money from their personal budgets in order to drive to work daily.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut as all deliveries will cost more and those increased costs of delivery for food, fuel and all essential goods and services get passed on to consumers in higher prices.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut while not guaranteeing any roads or highways get repaired in the long run since there will not be enough money in the future since toll revenues will not meet estimates. Thus tolls will have to go up as usual to meet these inflated estimates. I am also confident that most of the repair work will have no bids involved and thus the costs to repair will be astronomical.
Governor Lamont took the easy way out and has offered an unrealistic solution to fix our state's road and highway problems. New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut. The Connecticut Democrat Party gets what they want in new taxes so they can continue to tax and spend Connecticut into economic oblivion.
And once again legal Connecticut Taxpayers are ignored and shunned by our inept one party rule state government.
No Tolls.
Saturday, November 02, 2019
Wallingford's Vote On Tuesday November 5th
Wallingford is a well run and strong town and community. It has low taxes, low electric rates, AAA bond ratings, a superior school system, a safe community to live and prosper in, an ethical and
non-egotistical Mayor, a dynamic Town Council and Board of Education that govern effectively, and an incredible variety of businesses and companies that call Wallingford home.
It is an exceptionally well-run town being led by Republicans. Republicans who want to see the town grow and prosper. Republicans who are concerned about families, taxes and their physical community. There is no play to pay in our community nor lack of services. To many others and me it shows by how dynamic and strong Wallingford is in 2019. It continues to be a model community in our poorly run Democrat led state.
The Republican ticket led by Mayor Dickinson deserve your vote on Tuesday November 5th. Your vote will keep Wallingford moving forward and growing for the future.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Wallingford's Strong Republican Leadership-Mayor William Dickinson
As we all know Election Day is almost upon us. On
Tuesday, November 5th, legal registered voters are allowed to cast their
ballots for the people of their choice to represent them for the next two years
in Connecticut's municipal elections. It a vital part of our democracy that
many choose to follow and make their voices heard and a path where many could
not be bothered to spend 10 minutes of their lives in actually doing. In
my opinion many of those who choose not to vote are the loudest complainers of
what is going on in our society and community. Do not complain if you do
not vote. The time of election here in Wallingford we again hear a tale of two
cities, one that is horribly run with massive taxes, high costs, a lack of technology and a path to
economic oblivion. And then the economic reality of a prosperous,
dynamic, efficiently run, low tax, low electric cost community run by a
Republican led Town Council and a Mayor who has been office for many years
placing Wallingford's needs above his own and his own political gain. I see a familiar pattern each election here in town. The Democrat contender paints the town as a backwards and illiterate community with pay to play schemes, etc., with only his new tax and spend policies bring the town into the 21st century. I do not know what town he lives in but it can not be Wallingford.
We have strong Republican leaders who place Wallingford's interest over
their political ego on the Board of Education, Town Council, and in the Mayor's office. Wallingford's strong Republican
leadership has been able to keep a AAA bond rating for many years now, has been
able to keep taxes low, has been able to have the lowest electric rates in the
state and provide effective local services, and a strong educational system for our
youth. Wallingford's Republican leadership has
been a dynamic force in keeping Wallingford moving forward economically and
growing.
Wallingford's Republican leadership should become a model
for our state. It is not however the template that our state government
uses. It is far from it.
Mayor William Dickinson has led Wallingford and continues
to lead Wallingford as an elected official should. He is economically
conservative and understands that taxpayers monies is not unlimited. He
is also legally bound by the countless unfunded mandates that Connecticut
government places on its cities and towns that increases our spending.
Mayor Dickinson has led by example never to be brought up on any ethics charge
in all of the years he has been in office.
On November 5th Wallingford voters have the opportunity
to extend forceful, economically rational and ethical government in Wallingford
by voting for Mayor Dickinson for reelection along with the entire Republican
slates for Board of Education and Town Council. We see a well-run town
due to Wallingford's Republican leadership. They deserve to continue to
run Wallingford for the next two years. Vote Republican on November 5th.
Sunday, October 06, 2019
Tom Laffin For Wallingford Town Council
Wallingford Town Council Republican Vice Chairman Tom Laffin is running
for reelection this November. Tom is an
articulate and soft-spoken individual on the council who is concerned with
neither ego nor fan fare as he looks at and decides on the issues of our
community. His knowledge on issues and his ability to communicate his thoughts to the
public will impress all sides of a problem or discussion. He has a desire to serve our town. He is dedicated to his public service to our town and has done an excellent job in his efforts. He is an active member in our community.
From his campaign literature and website: tomlaffin.com
Public safety has always and will always remain a priority for me in town and I am extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work that our safety and emergency authorities provide.
I worked with Councilor Shortell to add additional police officers to the force in 2017. While we were not successful, it was something that CHANGED in the following two budgets. The mayor and the council requested and approved the addition of 2 officers each budget year since.
I have continuously supported the requests of our of safety services departments, whether it be for special radio and computer upgrades or bid waivers on fire trucks and specifications necessary to get the job done.
I
am proud of Wallingford's partnerships with various venues and programs
which enhance the lives of Wallingford residents. Through both the
private and public sectors, including the Oakdale Theatre, SCOW,
Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, and the Choate Paul Mellon Arts Center,
the community comes together to participate in and enjoy what these
organizations have to offer.
Tom Laffin has a professional approach to being the Vice Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council. His leadership is critical and essential to the well being of Wallingford in 2019 and beyond. On November 5th I urge Wallingford Voters to re elect Tom Laffin.
Public safety has always and will always remain a priority for me in town and I am extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work that our safety and emergency authorities provide.
I worked with Councilor Shortell to add additional police officers to the force in 2017. While we were not successful, it was something that CHANGED in the following two budgets. The mayor and the council requested and approved the addition of 2 officers each budget year since.
I have continuously supported the requests of our of safety services departments, whether it be for special radio and computer upgrades or bid waivers on fire trucks and specifications necessary to get the job done.
Keep the taxes low. Wallingford’s taxes are the lowest in the area. Our millrate is lower than any of the area towns.
I will continue to vote only
for fiscally responsible budgets. I’m sorry that sometimes includes a
small tax increase, but in order to have the things we as a community
need or would like, those are the choices we have to make. In order to
manage our money responsibly, it is necessary. We cannot manage
increased costs in staffing, education, and state mandates, while
looking to grow areas of our town for recreation and services for
nothing. The town has been incredibly well managed for the past 30+
plus years so we are fortunate to be able to build off a solid
foundation.
To the those looking to score
political points with claiming we can have 0% tax increases by spending
down our “rainy day fund” (which is political buzz for a savings
account that has money allocated for various projects and purposes) -
even with our tax increases that account was spent down approximately $3
million dollars over the past two years. Cleary, as I stated, your
plan was not possible without wrecking our strong fiscal standing.
I
have been a consistent defender of the Wallingford taxpayer. I have
fought to cut frivolous budget lines, protecting necessary and carefully
considered spending priorities and I will continue to do so.
I
have been a consistent supporter of environmental priorities in town,
including: the procurement and maintenance of open space, and the
expansion of the Quinnipiac Linear Trail into Yalesville. These
resources help maintain our community's small town feel and charm.
Tom Laffin has a professional approach to being the Vice Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council. His leadership is critical and essential to the well being of Wallingford in 2019 and beyond. On November 5th I urge Wallingford Voters to re elect Tom Laffin.
Saturday, October 05, 2019
Joe Marrone For Wallingford Town Council
I am using one of my
votes on November 5th to reelect Joe Marrone to the Town Council. Mr. Marrone
has done an excellent job in my opinion as a member of the Town Council with logical explanations and analysis of the issues that come before the council. He shows dynamic leadership qualities in his
actions looking at all sides of an issue and not rushing into quick decisions. This allows him in my opinion to make valid and effective votes on all topics. He is the Chairperson of the Council Merit Review Committee.
Being a parent with three sons in the school system, Mr. Marrone takes an active role in what is actually going on in our schools with an eye to the future through articulate ideas. He is very active in the town with his sons and community organizations such as Scouting. He was born and raised in Wallingford attending public schools graduating from Sheehan High School. His active role in the town and with his children gives him an exceptional view of the issues and events that impact Wallingford residents lives. He understands the problems residents face and works to find answers and solutions to keep Wallingford a well run and economically efficient town.
His website is joemarrone.com
I urge my fellow Wallingford Voters to reelect Joe to the Town Council. Vote for him on Tuesday November 5th.
Being a parent with three sons in the school system, Mr. Marrone takes an active role in what is actually going on in our schools with an eye to the future through articulate ideas. He is very active in the town with his sons and community organizations such as Scouting. He was born and raised in Wallingford attending public schools graduating from Sheehan High School. His active role in the town and with his children gives him an exceptional view of the issues and events that impact Wallingford residents lives. He understands the problems residents face and works to find answers and solutions to keep Wallingford a well run and economically efficient town.
His website is joemarrone.com
I urge my fellow Wallingford Voters to reelect Joe to the Town Council. Vote for him on Tuesday November 5th.
Wallingford Republicans For Board of Education
Wallingford is a great town and community. It has a strong sense of
fiscal responsibility and of self government. It has an excellent
school system that has been helped over the past with a Republican
majority on its Board of Education. The election in 2019 is no
different with six strong Republican candidates running for the Board.
They include: incumbents Erin Corso, Karen Hlavac, Tammy Raccio and Ray Ross. This year we also
have newcomers Autumn Allison and recent Sheehan High School Graduate Rajan Doering running for seats. The Republican
candidates believe in fiscal responsibility and getting the most out of
the Board of Education budget. Education is crucial for any community and Wallingford's school system is one of the best in the state. I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to
elect a Republican majority for the board by voting for these six excellent candidates on November 5th.
Tuesday, October 01, 2019
Vincent Cervoni For Wallingford Town Council
Mr. Cervoni is the Chairman of the
Wallingford Town Council. He is now a fifth term councilor serving three terms as Chairman. In his second term he served as Vice-Chairman. He in my opinion runs
a balanced town council meeting to obtain information on both sides of an issue. He runs the meetings in an efficient and effective
manner. He again will get my vote for Town Council.
You can also read about hi and his platform at www.vincentcervoni.com
Through his negotiations for four straight years he has organized enough private donations to fund the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration in town.You can also read about hi and his platform at www.vincentcervoni.com
He has worked to help maintain low taxes and maintain good services in exchange for the taxpayer's dollar, while achieving and maintaining an Aaa bond rating. This gives the Town
the ability bond at the lowest available interest rates and to refinance
bonds as interest rates decrease.
Wallingford has maintained a bonded debt per capita ratio of less than $1000 per resident. This also contributes to our Aaa bond rating.
Our schools are
continuously improving. Our talented Board of Education, combined with
the school system's professional leader, Superintendent Dr. Sal Menzo,
have improved our school system while maintaining efficiency. Cervoni has supported the Board of Education and their
leaders in their work as Councilor.
The
Wallingford Electric Division is an excellent enterprise, keeping
energy rates low for residents while attracting businesses to Town for
the same reason. More businesses in Town reduce the residential tax
burden. A great incentive for a business or family to move to Wallingford is our low electric rates.
Our Electric Division also creates rate incentives for new businesses moving to the downtown district. It is important that we keep moving toward a revitalized downtown.
Low taxes, economic growth, forward
thinking are all parts of Mr. Cervoni's platform and again he puts the needs of
our community above personal political gain.
Mr. Cervoni is articulate and offers a great deal of
insight on many issues that come forward to the Council. He is dedicated to Wallingford and making it even better than it is today. He deserves
to be reelected this November. I urge you to vote for him in November.
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