The $1000 Connecticut Taxpayer Theft

 

Connecticut’s state government and the Connecticut Democrat Party usually on a daily basis defies economic logic, personal safety and common sense.  From constant daily car thefts now with children in the cars, daily murders and shootings in Connecticut Democrat run cities, the taking away of local control of planning and zoning regulations and laws, “racism” now being a public health crisis while drug overdoses and suicides are not even mention in any “public” health crisis for the state, to now a $1000 “incentive”, “bonus”, “bribe”, free cash to entice unemployed individuals to go back to work and get off the seemingly endless unemployment compensation they have been receiving since last year.  

This $1000 program that has been brought forward by our multimillionaire/billionaire Governor both is a fraudulent use of Connecticut Taxpayers monies (hidden under the guise of Covid-19 funding) and a complete insult to those individuals like you and me who have worked straight through our government manufactured Covid-19 debacle since last March.  It is an insult to Connecticut Taxpayers while we also see how broke the state’s Unemployment fund is and the amount of borrowing they have had to resort to since last year since Lamont and his handlers shut down the state through their never ending Executive Orders and decrees.

Why would any business in the country or world would want to relocate to Connecticut given that apparently many people who are currently on unemployment in the state have no reason or desire to go back to work since they are making much more collecting than working?  Why would any business become entrapped into yet another feel good poorly run government run jobs program that has to pay people to go back to work?  I will assume many when they get their $1000 will turn around and quit and go back on unemployment. 

Connecticut continues to have $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.  Connecticut continues to pay out unsustainable wages, benefits and pensions to its state employees.  And now the state wants to give $1000 to try to get people back to work since many people were brainwashed through this entire pandemic that they must stay home, must wear masks, must social distance, must not open their businesses, etc or they will die.  Magically all that has gone away and this $1000 gift will also magically eliminate the state’s unemployment crisis and somehow get most businesses all the trained and skilled workers they will need to operate at either full capacity, full production, full staff and or full inventory capacity.  Isn’t it amazing the manipulation of the state’s economy through a socialist command economy decree?  Isn’t it amazing also that Ned Lamont’s Executive Orders need to continue through July now?  Isn’t it amazing also that the State Legislature and its Capitol Building still can’t open yet?  Isn’t it amazing also that state employees still do not have to physically go back to their offices until July?

Connecticut’s state government and the Connecticut Democrat Party usually on a daily basis defies economic logic, personal safety and common sense.  This $1000 Connecticut Taxpayer theft is just another of the many examples of our state government’s disregard and lack of respect for its Taxpayers.  

Connecticut contrary to the daily state run media propaganda it feeds us about how great a state we work and live in, is an incoherent economic mess of theft and fraud along with true incompetence as a mainstay of its existence.  An existence of a poor socialist based government that Connecticut Taxpayers must support through their hard earned tax dollars.  Now add another $1000 down the drain.  

Free Connecticut.

Another Bad Week For Connecticut Taxpayers

 

It was another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers thanks to the Connecticut Democrat Party.  I personally do not know how much more bad news they can take.

We see this past week that Ned Lamont’s Executive Orders will continue until July 20th.  I thought we had flattened the curve?  What is the never ending medical emergency we are dealing with?  That the Connecticut Democrat Party Senators and Representatives really do not want to be bothered representing their constituents?  That even though many Connecticut residents received the vaccine for Covid-19 that either it won’t work or that you can still get Covid-19 with it-so we still need his endless Executive Orders?  Or that the cash train from our bankrupt Federal Government will stop if there is not a continuing supposed medical crisis in the state?  No answers on this one other than the total disregard and ineptness that the Connecticut Democrat Party Senators and Representatives are showing us.

We see this past week that the Connecticut Democrat Party Senators and Representatives want to increase taxes in the state by a mere $1 billion dollars more and force down our throats the Transportation and Climate Initiative.  This initiative will increase gas taxes dramatically in the state while forcing a gas shortage since there will not be enough carbon credits available for sale in the state to meet the demand for gas.  Thus Connecticut’s cost of living will rise dramatically and all businesses cost will increase also.  

We see this past week that the Connecticut Democrat Party Senators and Representatives passed a law to strengthen the grip of public unions on state and local governments.  Senate Bill 908 would bar public employers from either discouraging or deterring new or existing employees from joining or remaining in a union while also requiring employers to allow access to new employees by having to notify unions of new hires, provide home contact information, the actual use of government email and addition time to meet.  How this can be legal is beyond me.  Therefore Connecticut’s public unions work hand in hand with the Connecticut Democrat Party to further their grip on the state through bills like this.  Connecticut is definitely not a “Right to work” state in any form.  And the cost of government continues to rise because of bills like this.

We see this past week that the Connecticut Democrat Party Senators and Representatives want the status quo and a socialistic/progressive/liberal agenda for the state.  You must obey as a Connecticut Taxpayer the Connecticut Democrat Party and its iron grip on your personal and economic freedoms until they say otherwise.

Connecticut used to be known as “The Constitution State”.  That is the further thing from the truth in 2021.  Connecticut should be known as “The Socialist State”, a state lost in the vast economic wasteland that the Connecticut Democrat Party has nurtured and grown for over thirty years now.  A state that provides week in and week out the framework and economic reality for yet another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers.  Over and over again.  For thirty years.  Maybe Connecticut Taxpayers should no longer financially support this economic debacle known as state government in its current condition.  Just a thought.

What Has The Connecticut Democrat Party Done For Connecticut Lately?

 

I am wondering what the Connecticut Democrat Party has done for the state lately.

I know they have raised taxes and created new and advanced taxes in the state.

I know that they have increased state spending again.

I know that they have limited carbons of supposed pollution by creating shortages of fossil fuels.

I know that they have made abortion on demand and not protect the rights of unborn children.

I know that they have allowed biological men to participate in girls’ sports in schools.

I know that they want to take over all zoning laws and rules and eliminate local control of property in towns.

I know that they have taken away more personal freedoms for citizens in the state especially during our never ending Covid-19 crisis.

I know that they have de-funded many Police activities in the state and made us less safe and more susceptible to crime, theft and murders.

I know that they have created massive amounts of regulations and laws on the remaining businesses in the state and have made Connecticut dead last in regulatory barriers.

I know that they are creating less free elections which will be more susceptible to fraud due to early voting laws and last minute voter registration to keep their veto proof majority.

I know that they dislike and ignore the state constitution.

I know that state laws apparently do not apply to them especially Ned Lamont and his family’s hedge fund.

I know that they do not work in the state legislature with the minority party.

I know that they have made Connecticut an economic wasteland bordering on bankruptcy.

What do I know anyways as I am a law abiding Connecticut Taxpayer who should realize and understand that I really do not have rights in this politically inept and corrupted state.  A state that just taxes and spends without reason or rhyme and enjoys enslaving its population to its debt and nurturing its ruling elite political dynasty.  A dynasty of failure for thirty plus years now.

I am wondering what the Connecticut Democrat Party has done for the state lately.  I wonder why they hate the state so much and its' taxpayers?  Do you wonder too?  

Why It Doesn’t Surprise Me-It Is Connecticut Of Course

 

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course.

Connecticut has many social and economic issues that are constantly made worse by poor policy decisions that are forced onto Connecticut Taxpayers by the Connecticut Democrat Party.

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when new and higher taxes are proposed and signed into law by the Connecticut Democrat Party.  Each year Connecticut Taxpayers hear the same rhetoric of there is a deficit, there can be no cuts in spending, more spending will solve the social ills of the corrupted cities of the state, eliminating guns will solve all the shootings and murders that are taking place in these same corrupted cities, etc.  

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when these same new and higher taxes do little to either help social and economic problems in the state.  These same new and higher taxes seem to help push up the growing state debt of $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with its never ending unfunded liabilities.  

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course that a state this small has that much debt since it has been run into the ground by the Connecticut Democrat Party for thirty plus years now.  

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course either to see that Connecticut ranks as one the top three highest taxed states in the country while also enjoying last or near last rankings in business friendliness and business development.  Sure we will see and have seen in the past all of the grand press conferences showing how the state gave Connecticut Taxpayers monies in the form of legal bribes and unpaid loans and grants to induce businesses to come and or stay in the state when they threaten to move to a lower taxed and lower regulated state.  But a great deal of those same bribed businesses still end up leaving and or go out of business.  Thus what is the point of it?

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when Connecticut Taxpayers have no say or rights in the state when deciding how their tax monies are spent.  It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course because we know the bulk of the state budget goes to a small minority of the population (state government workers, consulting groups and the Connecticut Democrat Party politically connected) through wages, benefits, pensions, no bid contracts and grants along with unpaid loans.  

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when gasoline and diesel prices are going to soar through the roof with the Connecticut Democrat Party’s “An Act Reducing Transportation-Related Carbon Emissions,” Governor’s Bill 884 that will massively increase the taxes on these two fuels while helping to create shortages of these same fuels due to the limitation of carbon allowances being able to be sold in the state.  There will not be enough allowances to meet current demand for these fuels.  Connecticut Taxpayers should get ready to walk to work since there will be much less fuel to be bought due to this economically incoherent bill being shoved down our throats.

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when there is never a discussion on cutting state spending.

It doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when Connecticut Taxpayers are treated as slaves by our state government

And it doesn’t surprise me because it is Connecticut of course when we now see the never ending results of 31 years of omnipotent one-party Connecticut Democrat Party rule.  A state that has been mismanaged into economic oblivion with massive debt, high taxes and skyrocketing crime and theft.  Along with a Governor who whose Hedge Fund has been able to profit nicely from the hysteria of Covid-19 that has been drummed into our heads on a daily executive order basis through a compliant state run media.

What a true mess Connecticut is in now.  It doesn’t surprise me.  Too bad.  Free Connecticut.

Wow This Is The Best Mediocre Connecticut Has To Offer?

 

This is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer.  Mediocre is defined as “of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance: ordinary, so-so.”  In looking at Connecticut’s government and its lack of solutions it presents to its never ending array of both social and economic problems we can describe our government as mediocre at best, more likely as poorly run, inefficient and horrific most of the time.  Connecticut Taxpayers must support this on a daily basis.

This is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer when we see the same failed policies being offered yet again in 2021.  The same mediocre tax and spend programs and policies that have not helped Connecticut for 31 years now since the enactment of the Utopian State Income Tax.  On the agenda this spring in its usual unread dumped onto the General Assembly at the last second fashion are laws to strip local control from local planning and zoning commissions, yet more “job retraining” programs, more tax incentives to politically connected businesses, new and higher taxes on “wealthy” taxpayers, consumption taxes on “wealthy” taxpayers, higher truck taxes that in turn create higher costs for anything trucked into the state, and elimination of legitimate elections and voting with ballot harvesting with House Joint Resolution No. 58.  

This is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer when we see $150 billion dollar in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and no solution whatsoever is forthcoming out of our mediocre state government.

This is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer when we see Connecticut having one of the highest tax rates in the country overall.  Thus the act of raising taxes yet again does nothing to address the tax issues that are prevalent in the state and are causing both citizens and businesses to move out on a daily basis.  I guess our mediocre state government feels that higher taxes will resolve all of the state’s problems as it has done for 31 years now.

This is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer when we see the Lamont’s family hedge fund profiting from the Covid-19 crisis and there is silence from the state run media on it.  And it is supposed to be legal using Connecticut Taxpayers monies for personal financial gain.  Metrics, rules, guidelines all change by the hour in Lamont's quest to destroy the state economically in the guise of saving ourselves from Covid-19.  Brave private citizens such as Tony DeAngelo and several others daily question what this Administration is doing in this state with real facts and figures.  The silence from our mediocre government is sickening.

This is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer when we see rampant crime taking place with a massive amount of car thefts and crime taking place on a daily basis.  The Police Accountability bill made all Connecticut Taxpayers less safe and much more subjected to criminals and crime.  It makes all drivers have to pay much higher car and truck insurance costs to offset the massive amount of losses from this.  I wonder how quickly this law would be amended if and when a prominent member of the Connecticut Democrat Party vehicle gets stolen from their property.  Crime does pay well here in Connecticut if you are a thief.  

Thus I am to assume that this is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer.  If this was private industry those responsible for these failed decisions of the past 31 would be rewarded by being fired from their jobs.  Here in Connecticut they are rewarded with even higher paying jobs state jobs and positions along with higher pensions incomprehensible in private industry.

Wow this is the best mediocre Connecticut has to offer.  And has offered since 1990.  And probably will still be offering in 2090.  Free Connecticut from this morass of incompetency and failure that is our mediocre state government.

2 + 2 = 5 In Connecticut?

 

Does 2 + 2 = 5 in Connecticut?  I assume it does after all of the issues this state has.  I have written about many of these problem areas over the years however I am starting to believe that both little will be done about them and that Connecticut Taxpayers have no say whatsoever in how their tax monies are spent and wasted on a daily basis.  

2 + 2 = 5 when looking at the past year and now never ending Executive Order Governor Lamont’s draconian measures all in the name of profits for his off shore hedge fund, no bid contracts and a socialistic iron fisted rule that has eliminated personal and economic freedoms in the state.  We are shamed on a daily basis to wear our masks and get our vaccines in a way that reminds me of sheep being led to a slaughter.  When one questions these “mandates” and “executive orders” many “experts” are quick to pounce on it by stating you are wrong and will die if you do not follow these “new rules”.  There is also no mention whatsoever to the large increases in drug use, drug overdoses and suicides in the state.  Amazing isn’t it?  

2 + 2 = 5 when examining $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities that Connecticut has.  Massive state employee benefits, salaries and pensions well above national averages help to contribute to this issue.  But we all know here in our state that Connecticut Taxpayers pay their taxes to help support this excessive and exorbitant spending in these areas.  There can be no reform and or cuts to this area due to economically unsustainable contracts that were given to these state employees while at the same time state management employees are joining unions for their own big payday of yet even higher salaries.  How is this possible when Connecticut has the second highest taxes in the country, third highest property taxes in the country and ranks near last or last in most economic and business friendly categories?  Thus we have a poorly run bloated state government that is heavily reliant upon “consulting groups”.  And those same “consulting groups” make recommendations that can’t be used in the state to make it more efficient and to save money since it is not allowed due to state government workers bargaining agreements.  Amazing isn’t it?  

2 + 2 = 5 when trying to comprehend a bill that was passed last year which makes our homes and streets much less safe and much more susceptible to crime and theft.  We are currently experiencing a rash of car thefts, young thieves are stealing cars at an incredible rate.  Gangs go around and steal whatever cars they are able to.   The Police Accountability bill that was passed by our one Democrat Party rule in Hartford ties the hands of law enforcement officials when dealing with these thefts.  Why was this bill/law passed that only hurts law abiding Connecticut Taxpayers and enriches thieves and their crime and makes police officers jobs more difficult?  Amazing isn’t it?  

2 + 2 = 5 when ethics in government is a corrupted government.   2 + 2 = 5 when debt is surplus.  2 + 2 = 5 when the second highest taxes in the country represent economic prosperity and economic freedom.  2 + 2 = 5 when crime and theft are acceptable and given as law.  2 + 2 = 5 when thieves are now model citizens.  2 + 2 = 5 when elections are now six month events.  2 + 2 = 5 is now Connecticut.  Amazing isn’t it?

A Resurrection For Connecticut?

 

Since it is Easter weekend and Sunday is Easter Sunday I felt that we should look at resurrection as it applies to Connecticut.  We all have seen that Connecticut’s news since last March is confined to daily updates on Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths (since apparently anyone who had Covid-19 when they died even though it may not actually have been the cause of death was counted as a Covid-19 death). Other stories include the incredible job Ned Lamont and his de-facto one party rule government along with his highly paid consultants have done during this crisis.  It is apparent to me that Ned Lamont and his de-facto one party rule government along with his highly paid consultants are all now medical experts.  It is apparent to me also that these same companies owned by the Lamont’s Hedge Fund that receive no bid state contracts are the only companies that help Connecticut during this crisis and apparently the only companies in the world that exist as far as the medical fields they seem to be “experts” in and are the only ones who are allowed to do business in the state.  Today’s news includes the same updates on Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths but with a new twist now as to how many people are getting vaccines, are getting sick from vaccines and or are unable to get vaccines.  It is also talks about the baby steps we need to take to reopen Connecticut and how Ned Lamont’s rule by Executive Order decree will be the only way you will survive in 2021.  Also in the news is brief mention of the $24 Million dollars of Connecticut Taxpayers that was streamlined to a Connecticut Democrat Party connected group, Grossman Solutions in an another no bid contract to hire 71 individuals to conduct a “campaign” to get people vaccinated in ten cities Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, New Britain, Bristol and Meriden by going door-to-door to tell them.  I wonder if anyone but myself sees the irony in this monumental waste of Connecticut Taxpayers Monies that was again sent to a Connecticut Democrat Party politically connected group.  Why is this legal?  Are they going to go door-to-door at night where drug use, drug sales, theft of cars and crime is rampant in some of these cities?  Are they themselves giving out the vaccines to these people at their homes?  Just curious about this since most of these cities they are going to are filled with unchecked crime that is really no longer reported by our state run media.

So what does all have to do with a resurrection for Connecticut?  Not much since I can’t see how a resurrection can take place in Connecticut with a compliant non-questioning nor objective media being tooled by Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Democrat Party as to everything that gets reported in the state.  I can’t see how a resurrection can take place in Connecticut with a stagnant and stale Republican Party that squashes conservative views and talk within the party, a RINO Party at best except for a few brave State Senators and Representatives.  I can’t see how a resurrection can take place in Connecticut with opposition voices constantly being ridiculed and vilified by the constant whining of the liberal leftists who apparently are always right (and conservatives voices naturally always wrong). I can’t see how a resurrection can take place in Connecticut with $150 billion dollars in long and short term debt along with unfunded liabilities never being addressed along with a state legislature that is unable to meet in person.  I can’t see how a resurrection can take place in Connecticut with many Connecticut citizens being fearful of even leaving their homes because of the constant never ending horrific news being force fed upon them daily about Covid-19.

As so it goes day in and day out; lies, fraud and deception.  Happy Easter to my Christian friends.  Please don’t count on a resurrection for Connecticut any time soon.  Ned Lamont and his de-facto one party rule government along with his highly paid consultants will make sure they are taken care of first.  Their personal and financial gain is much more important than the common citizens of the state-we are peasants to the ruling elite-we work for our government and we must serve them without any questions. 

Free Connecticut.

Governor Ned Lamont’s Executive Order Reign Never Ends-No Questions Answered

What’s a month?  And another month? And another month?  What’s flattening the curve? Or we just need to flatten the curve some more?  What profits have been made by the Lamont’s Hedge Fund since he has issued his first of many Executive Orders?  Why do Federal funds supposedly stop when our State Legislature actually meets again in person and are allowed to govern as stated in the Connecticut State Constitution?  

Executive Order Governor Ned Lamont’s ruling and infinite power is supposed to end on April 20th.  For over one year now Lamont has done everything and anything he wanted through his Executive Order power trip to supposedly cure Connecticut of the Covid-19 virus.  Connecticut through the Connecticut Democrat Party’s eyes and voices supposedly led the country in all aspects of combating this virus.  Through the closing of the economy placing it in a recession, the destruction of many small businesses and a virtual lock down in the name of Executive Order Lamont decrees he theoretically saved Connecticut from itself.  Now when apparently “the curve has flattened” on all things Covid-19, Ned along with Connecticut’s political elite wish to extend his power of Executive Order for yet another month apparently to continue the Federal funding that goes along with it.  Then what happens May 20th?  Yet another extension?  And another?  On and on and on? Forever?

During this time frame what has been lost is that the Constitution of Connecticut does not permit its Legislature to grant this Executive Order power without any type of limits as to what, how and how long the Governor can perform these powers.  Thus in my opinion and many others the constitutional law of the state has been violated. 

On March 9, 2020 a 36-page decision, by Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukaws stated: “This court believes the governor likely cannot continue to carry out his emergency orders without some form of ratification and control from the General Assembly."  Given this legal ruling, Republican State legislators proposed an amendment #6072 to House Bill 6672:“AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC HEALTH AND CIVIL PREPAREDNESS EMERGENCIES DECLARED AND RENEWED BY THE GOVERNOR.”   Their amendment sought to make the legislature active again as what is guaranteed by the Connecticut Constitution a co-equal branch of government.  Naturally this amendment was voted down by the Democrat majority in Hartford and we are back to business as usual yet another month of Ned Lamont’s Executive Orders now until May 20th.  

What is also interesting during this time frame is that the not one person other than the investigative work of Tony De Angelo (De Angelo is the managing director of the Paragon Trust Company) on his weekly Tuesday report on the Lee Elci 94.9 FM radio show (949newsnow.com) questioned what was going on with Lamont and his hedge fund and their behind the scenes dealings with Oak HC/FT, Sema 4, Truepill, 1Life or Lemonaid Health to name a few companies doing business with the state during this Executive Order time frame.  Lee Elci has now written two columns in The Day newspaper (theday.com) discussing what Tony De Angelo has brought to light about Ned Lamont’s no-bid contracts, huge profits and multiple Cayman Islands accounts during the past 12 months.   Maybe Lamont and the defunct Legislature should read these pieces.  And still Connecticut Taxpayers get no answers from their Governor or shut down Legislature and our state run media refuses to investigate this.  And as a reminder Connecticut still has $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities that seems never to be mentioned by anyone in power in Connecticut.  

Thus Connecticut’s legal State Constitution is meaningless to the Connecticut Democrat Party.  Executive Orders rule supreme.  There are no laws apparently that the Connecticut Democrat Party needs to follow.  And it is business as usual for Ned Lamont and his hedge fund companies feeding profits off of the Connecticut Taxpayers trough in the name of all things Covid-19.  Sickening isn’t it?

Free Connecticut from this theft or personal and economic freedoms.

Connecticut Needs More Revenue. Welcome To The Covid-19 Cash Flow

 

Can Connecticut ever spend enough Connecticut Taxpayer’s monies?  Can Connecticut ever tax enough goods/services/licenses/fees to support its state government spending habit?  Can Connecticut ever get enough revenue from any source to spend in any way they wish to promote their failed socialist agenda that seems to be the norm coming out of Hartford in 2021?

I am shocked as a taxpayer to see how much money is being poured into the state from the $4.2 billion that Connecticut will be receiving under the latest federal stimulus plan.  Apparently $2.7 billion in funds will be sent to the state with no strings attached as to how to spend it.  And I am confident there is currently a great deal of political posturing going on at this time to make sure most of this money will go to politically connected groups/programs and individuals with little mention of either health or economic value to the state to get itself out of its current and persisting economic recession/depression that it is in.  After all Ned Lamont’s Executive Order Governorship still continues until April 20th.  Although he is promising to work with the State Legislature on how to spend the money, I am highly skeptical that will occur.  The money will be earmarked for unnecessary and economically incoherent programs that will do little for our state economy.

How about using that $2.7 billion dollars to cut $2.7 billion dollars in state taxes.  The $2.7 billion dollars would then be reinvested through spending and investments by its citizens and businesses in the state to actually provide private sector economic stimulation thus growing the economy, increasing salaries and wages, along with increased business expansion and increased consumer spending.  The spending and expansion would also increase tax revenues for the state in both the short and long run.

I wonder if this suggestion would be forthcoming by anyone in our elected state government.  Or are we in store for an incredible and incomprehensible array of wasted spending that will do little for the state’s economy?    Maybe our illustrious Governor and the State Legislature should realize that the state is getting Connecticut Taxpayer’s monies from the Federal Government that is essence not “free” in any way, shape or form.  They should use this money with great care and to have the greatest economic impact for the state.

Will this happen?  I highly doubt it.  

Connecticut’s State Government to me is just a power grab, using Connecticut Taxpayer’s hard earned tax dollars for personal profits, personal economic gains, and an incoherent and inefficient state union and management employment scheme and to further a failed form of an irrational state government that only the politically connected can use and benefit from.  Welcome to this new cash cow that will be misspent very quickly.  Free Connecticut from this economic misery.

Connecticut’s Dysfunctional and Closed Government

 

I wonder what would happen if a state management or union employee or an elected State Legislator needed an ambulance.  And the ambulance company stated it was too risky for them to pick them up so instead they could schedule a zoom call to see what is going on and what their problem is?  Sounds ridiculous?  Given this hypothetical example of an emergency ambulance call then why can’t our State Legislature meet in person?  And why can’t our state court system meet in person along with state buildings fully reopened for business with state employees actually working there?  Why haven’t all public schools fully reopened with students being able to attend classes in person?  Haven’t we flattened the curve from one year ago?  Hasn’t all the money been given to politically connected companies in the state via no bid contracts flattened the curve from one year ago?  Hasn’t the Lamont’s Hedge Fund solved most of the Covid-19 problems with their free Connecticut Taxpayers monies they received since we flattened the curve from one year ago? 

I am also confused as to why many people have worked daily since we flattened the curve from one year ago.  Grocery store workers, truck drivers, medical personnel, construction workers and many others have worked continually since we flattened the curve from one year ago.   They had normal days off and most never got sick either since last March.  Does that mean anything to our elite State Governmental Officials and State Medical Officials?  I guess not since it is way too risky for Connecticut’s state workers, union, management and elected officials to fully go back to work in person.  But it is not risky at all for the cashier at the local grocery store to work eight hours a day since last March so that these same Connecticut’s state workers, union, management and elected officials can purchase their groceries with ease and convenience.  

What makes this group of Connecticut’s state workers, union, management and elected officials so special?  Is it that their jobs are dangerous?  More dangerous than the cashier at the grocery store?  Is it because they are doing such a great job that all or most of Connecticut’s social, health and economic problems have gone away since we flattened the curve from one year ago?  Or has Connecticut’s social, health and economic problems become much worse since we flattened the curve from one year ago? Do we now have a social, health and economic quagmire to deal with this March that is beyond comprehension of these same Connecticut’s state workers, union, management and elected officials that are unable to work/meet in buildings?  

Connecticut has flattened the curve and in my opinion and many others has a dysfunctional and closed government.  And Connecticut Taxpayers once again are trapped in this never ending maze of ineptness and waste known as our state government that just can't open.  Free Connecticut from this mess.

The Bad State Legislation Just Keeps Coming-SB171/SB1024

 

The Connecticut State Legislature in my opinion wishes to eliminate personal freedom and at the same time tax its taxpayers on anything and everything.  Two new bills (one I briefly mentioned in a prior column) are up for hearings this week that will tax you more and eliminate local zoning rules and regulations and place them in the hands of state bureaucrats.

Senate Bill #171 is a statewide property tax.  Connecticut Taxpayers already pay one of the highest property taxes in the country.  However it is not high enough for the Connecticut Democrat Party.  This one mill tax will go directly to the state and be spent where?  Here is the bill, it is only one page and it does not state where this tax monies go:

“That the general statutes be amended to establish a one mill state wide tax on commercial and residential real property, provided the first three hundred thousand dollars of the assessed value of a residential property shall be exempt from such tax.”

 “Statement of Purpose: To establish a state-wide tax on commercial and residential real property.”

Does this new tax money go to more no bid state consulting contracts?  Does this new tax money go to more salaries, benefits and pensions for state union and management workers?  Does this new tax money go to more political patronage jobs in Hartford?  There is no mention in this bill to state where this new tax money is going to.  Why is that?  It is just another example of the Connecticut Democrat Party’s total disrespect for the Connecticut Taxpayer.

An even worse bill being introduced is Senate Bill #1024.  A summary of the bill can be on the Greenwich Free Press website (greenwichfreepress.com). As stated from their website: “Founded by Sara Bronin, an architect, professor, and former P&Z commissioner in Hartford who is married to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, DeSegregate CT submits that Connecticut’s land use laws need to be updated to be more equitable. However, the goal of SB 1024 is not to directly increase affordable housing.”  They also stated: “A key part of DeSegregate CT’s proposal calls for “Main Street Zoning,” which would call for towns to fast track two- to four-family housing, making them “as of right.” There would be no minimum parking requirements, within a 1/4 mile of a “main street” in towns with over 7,500 people or with “concentrated development” as defined by the Census. The proposed legislation would require towns designate 50% of an area within 1/4 mile of a main street for 2-4 unit housing, and require 10% of any development with more than 10 units be designated affordable.”

Who in their right mind will build these units and at what cost?  How does one define equitable?  By stripping local land use laws and regulations and turning that power over to state bureaucrats? This 27 page bill in essence strips that power over town and city land from local governing boards such as the Planning and Zoning Commissions and Inland Wetland Commissions and in essence turns it over to Sara Bronin and her DeSegregate CT group.  Why this bill was even introduced in the state?  Political payback?  Why is it wrong for local towns and cities to govern their own land?  Because Sara Bronin said so?  What piece of garbage this bill is.  More loss of local power and more power given to failed liberal/socialistic policies being pushed through by the Connecticut Democrat Party.

Connecticut continues to have inept elected officials who clearly are lost as to what the pressing issues are in the state.  Connecticut still has $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities that have not been mentioned by anyone in state government.  But they insist on more taxes and more losses of personal freedoms to achieve what?  Or is that achievement in reality Connecticut becoming a socialist paradise for those who can game the system for their personal economic gain and power?  Free Connecticut from this horrible excuse called state government.  Connecticut Taxpayers are sick of it.

Yet Even More Bad Connecticut Legislation Senate Bills 882 And 884

 Connecticut's Democrat One Party Rule State Government and Governor Ned Lamont defy economic logic on a daily basis.   If one looks at the costs and benefits of Ned Lamont's Senate Bills 882 and 884 one wonders why an individual would want to continue to live in Connecticut after these two monstrosities of legislation get rammed down Connecticut Taxpayers throats.  Senate Bill 882-"An Act Concerning Climate Change Mitigation and Home Energy Affordability" does little to make any energy affordable in Connecticut in my opinion.  The bill mandates a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by the year 2040 from electricity supplied to electric customers in the state.  It also mandates landlords provide energy efficient appliances in their rentals, all energy costs from the past twelve months and several other energy related costs/information.  As stated in the bill: "If any landlord fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the tenant may deduct an amount equivalent to one month's rent from any sum of rent or payment for use and occupancy due and owing, or to become due and owing, to the landlord."  Thus many landlords after being hammered by not being their paid rent during the state's moratorium on tenants not paying rent during the pandemic will now be crushed with this cost if they do not comply.  They will also have to upgrade all their appliances if they have not done so.  I wonder who will pay for all this?  Will rents now become even higher due to already higher property taxes, maintenance costs and now the higher costs of appliances which are currently in short supply due to the pandemic?  Was any thought actually put into this bill as to where all of this money is going to come from to implement all of these draconian changes?  Does this mean electric rates will go up lets say 300 to 400% over the next few years to enact all of these mandates?  All of this being done while the state's economy is in a massive and never ending recession.  

Another bad bill also will slammed on the state with much higher gasoline taxes and truck tolls.  Senate Bill 884:"An Act Reducing Transportation-Related Carbon Emissions" raises gasoline taxes,  forces Connecticut to join a regional Transportation and Climate Initiative Program and implements truck tolls.  This bill basically will somehow reduce carbon emissions by increasing taxes thus making driving even more expensive than it is already in Connecticut.  The costs of all products trucked into Connecticut will now increase due to the mandated truck tolls (which can then easily be shifted to cars in the near future).  The costs of this bill will be felt for many years into the future as Connecticut's infrastructure continues to disintegrate as our road, bridge and highway system continue to be in a state of disrepair since the bulk of monies used for transportation in the state go to state employee salaries, benefits and pensions rather than any functional road maintenance and repair system.  Again all of this being done while the state's economy is in a massive and never ending recession.  

Connecticut's Democrat One Party Rule State Government and Governor Ned Lamont defy economic logic on a daily basis and I really believe Connecticut Taxpayers are tired of it.  We see two more economically damaging bills being pushed through our inept State Legislature with little coverage about them in our state run media.  Lamont and his political hacks in Hartford have done enough economic damage already during this pandemic.  Connecticut Taxpayers do not need these pieces of garbage laws to deal with also.  Free Connecticut from this economic madness and tyranny.

 

Drive And Earn Dollars For Your State Pension! Work Overtime And Earn Dollars For Your State Pension!

 Connecticut has $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.  It is a figure that I constantly use as I feel that the state is a walking economic time bomb ready for the implosion of debt that can no longer be paid back.  For example what happens when Connecticut can no longer borrow any more money and or must borrow money at an excessive rate of interest?  Does it go bankrupt?  Or does it raise taxes even more than they are now?  If this is the case then why does Connecticut allow for its state legislators and state employees to include mileage reimbursements and payments for overtime in their state pension calculations?

A brave state legislator-Republican Representative Christie M. Carpino, 32th District has proposed yet another bill to eliminate mileage reimbursements and payments for overtime from being included in pension calculations for state employees via H.B. #5149.  It is co-sponsored by Republican Representative Craig Fishbein, 90th District.  Will anything happen this session?  Will our Omnipotent One Party Rule State Legislature decide to throw a bone at Connecticut Taxpayers and vote this bill into law thus eliminating this costly and economically illogical "perk" to pad their pensions that is helping to contribute to Connecticut's massive debt?  Since when should mileage driven be counted in a pension?  Do you know of any private pension that counts miles driven as a calculation to a final payout?  Do you also know of any private pension that counts overtime worked as a calculation to a final payout?  I don't.  But here in Connecticut with the unrelenting Democrat Party controlling all aspects of state government Connecticut Taxpayers must pay out for mileage reimbursements and payments for overtime to help increase these bloated state employees pensions.  Why is this still going on with Connecticut's $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities?  Why during one of the worse economic crisis in the state's history must this practice continue while the state has massive unemployment and many businesses were closed permanently and have lost their life's work and savings?  How and what did these state legislators accomplish during their political careers that created such massive economic gains for the state  during their career that they must now be entitled to some of the "supposed" gains or profits that the state received?  And if so what are these "supposed" gains or profits?  Is it $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities?  If it is then they should be paying back Connecticut Taxpayers for their fiscal incompetence and economic illiteracy and receive no pensions.  

This is yet another example that shows how poorly governed Connecticut is and has been for the past thirty years.  And it is another example of the total disrespect Connecticut's ruling political elite has for Connecticut's Taxpayers.  From no bid secret state contracts for the Governor's hedge fund to miles for pensions it just never ends in this state.  It just never ends.  Bankruptcy in my opinion looks promising in 2021 to rid the state of its cancer known as its government.  Free Connecticut.

How Bad Can Connecticut's Legislation Get?

 How bad can Connecticut's Legislation get?  Apparently the worse is yet to come with some current bills being introduced in this current session.

I really thought we saw it all last year with the debacle of a "Police Accountability" law that has made Connecticut unsafe with massive amounts of car thefts and robberies in broad daylight.  Crime runs rampant in our state thanks to this bill.  Or maybe the "Paid Family Leave Act" that taxes many who work a 1/2 of percent of their income that will somehow pay for many weeks off of paid leave in 2022 for those who will get this paid time off for not working.  The oversight to this law and its requirements astound me as to how it can remain solvent over the next few years.  Or maybe its the liberal green "Transportation and Climate Initiative" that will be implementing a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, that includes you guess it higher gasoline taxes.  Or as Ned Lamont and his consultants have stated only a "nickel" a gallon will be the increase.  Says who?  And how will this "help" Connecticut other than eliminate more jobs and cause more businesses to close and or move out of state.

This session we have to deal with the usual Connecticut Democrat Party draconian increases in taxes via laws that would include higher income tax rates, a statewide property tax on "mansions" that are worth  $430,000 or more, much higher capital gains taxes and the usual highway tolls.   Want to work?  Not in Connecticut as Connecticut public employee unions want new powers to pressure state and local government employees to join and pay them.  They are demanding workers private information obviously so that they can contact them everywhere and anywhere and pressure them to pay dues.   This is SB908.  Do you want private health insurance?  Many Connecticut Democrats don't want you to have that as seen in a "public option" healthcare plan found in SB22 and a state run "single payer" healthcare system found in SB842.  No more local town/city planning and zoning decisions as the state's politically correct forces will eliminate decisions made on a local level and transfer them to the state in the guise of affordable housing, multi-unit residential buildings, sewerage systems, housing authority jurisdiction, training for certain municipal officials involved in planning and zoning decisions and compliance with municipal zoning regulations found in SB804.  Have you heard enough yet?

Connecticut's bad legislation is getting worse with the constant omnipotent one party rule of the Connecticut Democrat Party.  High taxes, an Executive Order Governor, and one party rule all help Connecticut to continue its road to economic and personal ruin.  These bills help to nurture its demise.  I have had enough of it.

Connecticut’s New Budget-More Rhetoric

Governor Ned Lamont with great fanfare and adulations has presented the new Connecticut Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget this past week.  The budget for the two years is roughly $46 billion dollars in spending for a state that has roughly 3.5 million people.  The budget increases state spending by 3.5 to 4%.  The budget includes new taxes including a mileage tax on trucks that will in all likelihood be passed onto consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services and a roll back in some previously stated tax cuts.  The budget relies upon a great deal of Federal Covid-19 aid to help balance its budget along with increases in state income taxes due to the stock market increasing in value and thus more capital gains taxes being paid.  The budget is 268 pages in length and I wonder how many member of our state legislature will have read each page before they will vote on it?  Maybe five or ten.  When reading through the budget and its analysis I wonder if I am living in the same state that they are describing.   On page 2 of the budget this paragraph should shock anyone who lives or works in this state“The $17 billion in financial resources from the federal government to Connecticut was significant and critically necessary to manage the public health pandemic and resulting impacts on the Connecticut economy and lives of our residents. Without the combined fiscal and monetary policy actions of our federal government, the nation and the state’s economy would have entered a depression. This is evidenced by the more than 30% decline in the gross domestic product on an annualized basis in the second quarter of 2020.”

Therefore Connecticut received $17 billion dollars in Federal aid last year due to the Covid-19 crisis.  If Connecticut spends roughly $23 billion dollars a year then this aid accounted for almost 74% of the state budget. Or did the $17 billion dollars in Federal aid go to many no bid state contracts for those who had political connections in the state?  Did it go to consulting groups who apparently are experts in creating policies to perpetuate stale one party rule in the state? 

Stating it in other terms how can Connecticut survive without a massive inflow of Federal money in the future?  Since spending does not get cut in this state budget nor is any state agency downsized in state government how can state officials make these economic predictions of $46 billion in spending with the state economy being on limited/restricted/reduced hours and thousands of businesses shut down along with massive unemployment?  And again is there any plan to fully reopen the state’s economy? Again there is no mention of it.  But instead we hear the familiar cries of not enough money is being spent to address poverty, new and higher taxes on the working middle class are essential for the state’s fiscal health, more cuts to the police are critical to combat crime, legalization of marijuana will bring in an incredible some of taxes, online gambling being taxed will be great, etc.

The budget in my opinion does little to address the massive debt the state continues to accrue.  Connecticut has $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities or roughly a debt of $42860 for every person who lives in the state. What is the next step a new debt tax for every person who lives in the state?

Thus I am to assume as a Connecticut Taxpayer that unless Connecticut continues to get unlimited Federal aid an economic depression will occur in the foreseeable future.  I am also to assume that new taxes and the legalization of drugs and gambling online are the new panacea that will solve all of Connecticut’s economic problems just like the state income tax did in 1991.

I suggest all of the Connecticut State Representatives and State Senators read the state budget in its entirety. See if any of you can find even one dollar that could be cut from it and let your constituents know about it.  And explain to your constituents how Connecticut survives without a Federal handout for the future.  Cutting spending always falls on deaf ears in Hartford.  Why bother with it anyways since there are no longer any checks and balances in our state government nor any economic logic found either.  The new budget in my opinion is again another sham for Connecticut Taxpayers.  A sham that sadly is too familiar to an unresponsive and totalitarian state called Connecticut.

Connecticut Is Closed On February 12, 2021 Lincoln’s Birthday. Thank You Connecticut Taxpayers.

 

I bet you did not know Connecticut Taxpayers monies are being used to give Connecticut State employees Lincoln’s Birthday off today Friday February 12, 2021 as a paid holiday.  They also have Monday February 15, 2021 off as a paid holiday which is the Federal holiday of President’s Day.  I find great irony in the woke, liberal, socialist Connecticut Democrat Party embracing this paid day off for Connecticut State employees.  After all we are somehow led to believe through the new history of today where lies are truth that we must abide by, that Republican President Lincoln was somehow bad (not woke) in wanting freedom for slaves that were held in our country and that a Civil War was fought for to eliminate slavery from our country.  If one reads some excerpts about President Lincoln and the Civil War from the politically correct New York Times 1619 Project (a project in my opinion that wishes to destroy facts from our history), or from the many other liberal views of how bad President Lincoln was one would wonder why Connecticut State employees are off today?  Thus why are Connecticut State employees off today since President Lincoln should be discarded from history according to many new history “experts” and their shameful rewriting of our history to facilitate a socialist agenda that they want us to believe?  To me this day of pay for Connecticut State employees is economically and politically irrational especially for our most liberal and socialist Democrat leaders in our state.   Why are they off?  Wasn’t “Honest Abe” bad for our country?  And isn’t “Honest Ned” doing incredible things for Connecticut since he has taken office instead?  Like $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities?

Maybe a compromise could take place.  Connecticut State government could rename February 12th as Connecticut Democrat Party/Ned Lamont Day.  This way Connecticut State employees could be more comfortable in having the day off with pay, paid for by Connecticut Taxpayers without the stress of worrying about that evil Republican President Lincoln.  Why Connecticut Taxpayers must pay for this day off is absurd and ridiculous.  

Freedom is never free and President Lincoln understood that concept.  It is too bad it is lost in Connecticut in 2021.  Free Connecticut.

By the way Happy Lincoln’s Birthday and get to work so that you can pay your Connecticut taxes to help pay for this essential day off for Connecticut State employees.

Connecticut Is Curious?

 

I am curious about Connecticut.  I also believe that many Connecticut Taxpayers are curious about their state also.  They are curious as whether or not to remain in the state for a variety of reasons.  These reasons include but are not limited to excessive state and local taxation, excessive state government laws on running businesses, excessively high unemployment insurance and workers compensation costs, a neglected bridge, road and highway system, a lack of ethics in state government, a lack of checks and balances in state government, excessive unfunded pension liabilities, excessive short and long term debt, just to name a few issues.  There are many more that one can talk about.

The economic news continues to be negative in Connecticut and I am curious as to what our one party rule is going to do about these issues in the coming legislative session?  We see already that the tried and true policies of raising of taxes, new taxes/tolls/miles driven tax are being reintroduced in the legislature along with the usual laws that continue to take away our personal freedoms and advance a failed socialist liberal agenda for the state.  

There seems to be little new coming out of our state government as far this Legislative session is concerned.  I again am curious as to what are the plans to restore the state’s economy and create jobs?  Raising taxes?   Mandating a socialist liberal education agenda for Connecticut Taxpayer funded schools?  Hiring more politically connected state employees at above average salaries and benefits?  Creating more no bid state contracts that are directed at companies that have economic ties to the Lamont’s hedge fund?  

If all of these programs and new and higher taxes have failed to solve Connecticut’s economic problems why are they being touted again as a solution?  With the amount of money Connecticut Taxpayers are spending in taxes why is the state in such bad shape economically?  Is it possible that these same programs and taxes have done nothing for the state since the implementation of the state income tax in 1991?  Thus I am curious as to why in 2021 they are being offered again as a“solutions”.  

“Solutions” should include the following:

1. Cutting state spending across the board by at least 10% focusing on the elimination of political patronage management jobs and the over compensation of State Commissioners.  

2. A complete overhaul of the state purchasing system opening it up to real competitive bidding and the elimination of no bid contracts regardless of pandemic restrictions.

3. The elimination of binding arbitration for municipalities and a complete restructuring of the state pension system to eliminate a pension like the one Mark Ojakian, 67, who retired January 1, 2021 as President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System received for $237,310 a year and will grow by an estimated 2% or more annually with cost-of-living adjustments. Does he really deserve a pension like this?  This defies economic logic.

4. A Constitutional right to recall elected officials who are incompetent and unethical via petition and vote form.  

5. Fully open hearings on all bills that come to the legislature.  These same bills can’t have amendments tacked on to them that have no relationship to the original bill itself.  All bills must be made public and summarized as far as the costs involved in the bill that must be borne by the Connecticut Taxpayers.  No votes on legislation or state budgets can take place between 7pm and 7am during a business day.  

6. No former state employee or legislator can be employed by a lobbying firm before a five year waiting period after they leave their position or office.

7.The elimination of all paid consultants and consultant group from any work or policies with state government.  We have elected and paid state employees who should be capable of running our government.  That is their job.  If they can't then they should be removed from office or their jobs.

If Connecticut started working on and implementing some of these suggestions I am curious if we would see some changes in our state government?  Connecticut Taxpayers are curious?  Maybe our state government officials should be too?  Free Connecticut.

Connecticut’s Damaged Economy

Connecticut’s economy is damaged.  Today is Day 320 of Ned Lamont’s Imperial Executive Order one man rule shutdown.  And it is supposed to continue until April 20th.  I guess it will never end even as the governing body of Connecticut, the State Legislature has gone back into session.  So far the Democrat controlled Omnipotent One Party Rule 2021 Legislature has come up with-you guessed it-new and higher taxes for the upcoming session.  What I am confused about as a Taxpayer is even though the Governor has extended his Executive Order Administration for yet another two months, why has the State Legislature gone into session just to install new and higher taxes?  A session that already does little to address the massive economic damages that have been inflicted upon the state economy by our Executive Order Governor and the Democrat Party with a never ending shut down of the state.  Can we then logically assume that if any disease causes the death of one Connecticut resident that the economy will be shut down until a cure for that disease occurs?   No matter how severe or mild the health issue is? 

Some of the new taxes that the Democrat 2021 Legislature has come up with includes tolls again, a one mill tax on property taxes and capital gains, a $20 tax if you do not vote, just to mention a few.  I still am wondering how well the tax increases since the state income tax was enacted in 1991 have bettered Connecticut’s economy, created economic growth and economic stimulation?  Can some elected official explain to me how having as many taxes and excessively high tax rates that we have in the state on an incredible amount of goods and services has brought about economic prosperity for Connecticut Taxpayers and Businesses?  

There again has been no mention of any cuts in state spending for the new fiscal year.  Political patronage jobs continue to flow freely in the state.  The Governor’s Hedge Fund has benefited economically during our never ending Covid-19 crisis.  And Connecticut’s economy remains badly damaged by the years of unyielding and incomprehensible tax increases, new taxes and unchecked state spending that produce little if any benefit to the Connecticut Taxpayer.  Why is it still continuing in the face of massive unemployment in the state, colossal amounts of businesses that have closed for good, and $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities?  What is the economic benefit any more to tax increases?  To satisfy a failed liberal Democrat agenda of socialism and keeping citizens from gaining economic freedom? 

Is that the real reason that the Connecticut Democrat Party has damaged our economy beyond recognition?  And what is the plan to fully reopen Connecticut?  When illness and disease has been completely eliminated in the state by the Governor's Hedge Fund?  Or when his Hedge Fund has made enough profit?

Connecticut Taxpayers deserve much better from their failed Executive Order Governor and Government.   We need checks and balances once again in the state.

It is time to cut state spending and cut state taxes to turn our economy around.  The lies of the Connecticut Democrat Party are now the truths they believe in and expect us to believe in also.  These are still the lies that on a daily basis that we are being force fed that continue to damage Connecticut’s economy.  Enough is enough.

History Repeats Itself. Free America.

History has always been very interesting to me.  I have always felt history repeats itself.  In 2020 and now in 2021 history in my opinion is repeating itself again with the new but mostly old Biden Administration.  

Being born in 1958 and growing up at the time I did, I was taught in grade school during the 1960's to “Duck and Cover” by squatting underneath my school desk in case of a nuclear attack and when I heard the air raid sirens.  We practiced that exercise once a month that was supposed to save our lives.  My early years from when I can first remember was spent dealing with and trying to rationalize the never ending Vietnam War which in my opinion could have been won by our country if our elected officials did not try to run the war especially President Johnson.  If the war was won South Vietnam and Cambodia would have been independent and free countries.  Many lives would have been saved and Cambodia would have never seen the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot who murdered over 1.7 million of his own people during their four year reign of terror.  This twenty year war finally was lost in 1975 while in the interim America saw massive protests against the war on almost a daily basis along with the issues of President Nixon and his spying on his political foes ultimately ending in his resignation in 1974.  Then throw in the mix an energy crisis in which we are lead to believe that if we don’t conserve energy we will run out of it in a few short years.  That was the fear I was forced to understand during my childhood and teen years.

Needless to say one could argue that is was a very unsettling time to grow up in our country.  Daily on the news was the mix of war, protests, a “bad” President along with no more energy.  Inflation, shortages and fear were the norm of the time.  Sort of what we have just experienced since March 2020 and still going on today, news filled with protests, a government mandated shut down of the economy in Democrat controlled states, a civil war against those who don’t agree with your political beliefs, certain death from Covid-19 if you do not follow the draconian mask centered guidelines that have been developed on the fly by both “political” and “health” experts and a rigged election and election process.

Getting back to history, I finally got some relief during the Reagan Administration as energy prices became deregulated, oil became plentiful and America became a strong country both economically and in the world view.  President Carter literally destroyed our economy and was a weak world leader during his term in the late 1970's and 1980.  President Reagan believed in freedom and ultimately he helped to bring about the end of the Cold War.  It paved the path for freedom to the oppressed people of Communist Eastern Europe and Russia.  I personally never thought Communism would be torn apart like that in my lifetime.  It was a period of prosperity for both our country up to roughly 1990 until the short Gulf War of 1990-91 that occurred which created the foundation for horrific events that were to happen ten years later.  1991 began the long decline in Connecticut’s economy with an “Independent” Governor’s lies about a Utopian Income Tax and all the revenue problems it would solve.  Connecticut thus began a thirty year decline based upon fraudulent tax and spend policies that has led the state in 2021 to a staggering $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.  Connecticut sees a continuing recession until this day.   On a national level in 1993 President Clinton started an eight year term of deception, White House sexual adventures and the ignoring of worldwide terrorism growing especially in our country.  

9/11 is a day that lives in history.  We all know what happened that day the murder of many innocent American lives by terrorism.  President Bush reacted quickly and swiftly and the country is back at war although this time it is even more difficult to know who the enemies are.  The war on terrorism continues this day costing once again many lives and money to keep our country and world free from terrorists.  News at that time presented to Americans on a daily basis expresses fear and uneasiness especially if one wishes to fly again.  Massive changes are implemented immediately to “protect” those who travel in and out of our country.  We as Americans must “Say something if we see something”.  Fear seems to be everywhere.  The economy is up and down.  

In 2008 the presidential election brings us eight long years of President Obama and a rapid decline in our economy, unchecked immigration and our status in the world as the President feels a need to apologize to the world for our country’s strengths and history.  America becomes stagnant, restless and unsafe.  There is growing unrest by those American citizens who believe in freedom and the greatness of our country.  This leads to the rise of the anti-politician and the election of a non-politician in President Trump.  President Trump oversees a reversal of the failed policies of the political swamp of Washington leading to massive increases in our economy with more jobs, more disposable income, great gains in the stock markets and a feeling of prosperity that has not been felt since the days of President Reagan until what amounts to being a planned pandemic of a deadly flu virus via China that hits us in March of 2020.  And as we all know President Trump exposed the Washington political scene for what it really is, a combination of deception, lies and fraud.  The swamp despises our freedom and the American Taxpayer. And President Trump is made to pay for it with a constant barrage of accusations thrown at him daily and with two baseless impeachments.  Just think about the amount of Taxpayers monies that were wasted and are continuing to be wasted in pursuit of the Democrats bias against President Trump.  The hatred of President Trump by the elite ruling political class and the biased media is and was astounding. It seems like it will never let up.  This hatred only increases the intensity of the 75 million plus people who legitimately voted for President Trump in November and still believe in his goals and programs.  The same goals and programs that President Biden has started to strip away in just four quick days.  He has undone already tremendous growth, prosperity and most importantly personal freedoms that are guaranteed by the United States Constitution.  He combines the worse of our worse Presidents in our nation’s history such as President Carter, President Johnson and President Buchanan.  It will be a long four years if this Administration lasts that long.

History repeats itself.  I have lived through many incredible man made and natural crises, wars, economic recessions/depressions, flu pandemics, diseases, and fear.  And I have seen time and time again history repeating itself although never to the extent that I see at this time of the destruction of our freedom of speech and personal liberty and freedom.  We need to understand our history and also remember that in our history our country was founded based on prayer, faith in the almighty Lord, and freedom from tyranny and unjust rulers.   It cannot be forgotten.  Nor will it be forgotten as the next real leader and President for our country is nestled somewhere in our United States of America waiting to come onto the political scene.  And he or she will emerge soon to lead America to its greatness once again.  Don’t despair.  Pray for our country’s health, prosperity and well-being.  The country will survive.  History does repeat itself.  Free America from its current tyranny.  It will be free once again.

 

Connecticut’s Constant Budget Mess

 

Connecticut’s budget year is upon us.  Connecticut Taxpayers are used to the usual rhetoric spewed by Ned Lamont, his consulting groups, his hedge fund and the Democrat controlled state legislature.  The rhetoric is new and higher taxes, new and or higher “user” fees, cuts to programs that impact people most in need such those with disabilities and the elderly, and once again for “tolls”.  If one goes back and looks at the last thirty years of Connecticut’s budgets one will see a massive increase in state spending, a massive amount of programs placed “off budget” to hide them,  massive increases in taxes, new taxes, and new and higher user fees.  2021 starts the same as it has since 1991.  Connecticut is running a massive budget deficit this year anywhere from $2 to $3 billion dollars and we will probably see new and or higher taxes and tolls as being the only way to solve this deficit.  Sound familiar?  It should because it is what Connecticut Taxpayers have heard for the past thirty years from their government.  These "new" taxes were going to solve all the revenue problems of the state from the fairness of a state income tax, to a secret gross earning tax on gasoline, to a $250 tax to file a piece of paper to the Secretary of State’s office to state that you are still in business, to a tax on every can of paint you buy, a tax of every plastic bag you use for your groceries, a tax to be placed in a supposed fund to pay for people for family leave in 2022, a tax on your car registration to get into state parks whether you use them or not, etc.  This list of taxes and user fees is endless in Connecticut and to me is the result of out of control state spending that has shown little if any positive economic results for either businesses or citizens of the state while at the same time running up an insurmountable $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.  Why is this lost on our elected officials?

Connecticut’s elected officials need to get a handle on spending.  The amount of money that is wasted on a state level is enormous.  I would love to hear a brave state legislator from either party introduce a bill for a full forensic audit of all of the state’s assets, liabilities and spending.  I would enjoy bills introduced in the State House and Senate to decrease state spending on political patronage jobs, programs that have failed the state economically and an across the board cut in all state agencies budgets.  Start taking action on the economic crisis that this state has had to live through since 1991.  Start respecting Connecticut Taxpayers and not use them as their personal bank accounts to gain wealth and power.  Start demanding economic efficiencies from each state agency to cut spending.  Force any state agency that must deal with the public to become consumer friendly and courteous to the Connecticut Taxpayers they are dealing with.  

Ned Lamont, his consulting groups, his hedge fund and the Democrat controlled state legislature should admit once and for all that the state has serious economic issues and a state spending problem.  Instead, 

Connecticut Taxpayers must deal with and live with a constant budget mess.  Thirty years of this is enough-don’t you think?

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Really? The First Day Of Connecticut’s Comeback Story? Where?

 

Ned Lamont recently gave his State of the State speech.  It was the “First Day of Connecticut’s Comeback Story” according to our state run media.   Obviously the speech was a glorification of Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Democrat Party.  Obviously the speech was written with the help of the many Connecticut Taxpayer funded consultants that are in the Lamont Administration via no bid contracts. Obviously the speech had to be prerecorded and given if front of an empty General Assembly.  Obviously the speech stated the usual promises of what a great job he has done as Governor, how he feels the state is his family (especially when his family can profit from Covid-19 and his Executive Orders).  Obviously the speech announces more new revenue streams that will be the cure all to Connecticut $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities via the legalization of marijuana, sports and online betting, etc.  Obviously Connecticut no longer has a drug overdose problem since marijuana becomes legal and taxed.  Obviously Connecticut with its massive amount of “legal” gambling already will flourish even more with this new revenue stream of even more legal gambling.  Obviously the states unemployed will somehow see jobs created for them via his speech.  Obviously the businesses that were shut down due to Lamont’s Executive Orders will somehow reopen again, be debt free and flourish from his speech.  Obviously the state I live in and work in is much different than the state that Ned Lamont talked about in his speech.  I wonder what state he is talking about and where is it located?  Because to me it is not Ned Lamont’s Utopian Connecticut.

It is funny that most Democrats called President Trump a Dictator.  However I and many others feel that Ned Lamont through his Executive Order Decrees that have ruined the state’s economy. This coupled with his no bid secret state contracts with some of his family’s Hedge Fund companies represents a Dictator in a pure political power role over his subjects known as the Connecticut Taxpayers who foot the bill for this corruption and abuse of power.  

Lamont’s speech was once again short on specifics big on what he did two years ago and long on political generalizations.  His speech lacked depth and understand of the grave economic conditions that are seen in Connecticut in 2021.  What is the plan?  More taxes?  More new commissions to study why the state economy has collapsed?  Connecticut Taxpayers have been hearing this type of speech since Lowell Weicker’s State Income cure-all in 1991.   And Connecticut Taxpayers are now in their 30th year of listening to 30 years of the same “First Day of Connecticut’s Comeback Story” year in and year out, over and over and over again.  And guess what Connecticut has yet to come back. 

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Connecticut's New Year-2021

 Happy New Year.  It is now 2021.  Unfortunately Connecticut's New Year seems to be replicating 2020 already.  Supposedly a new General Assembly will be sworn in on Wednesday in a safe and protected environment (obviously the same environment that Connecticut Taxpayers must do their grocery shopping in at large chains).  Thus they will apparently be wearing their masks (N-95 type?), take Covid-19 tests supplied by a Lamont hedge fund invested company, only walking one way up and down their outdoor aisles and have their temperatures checked possibly hourly in order to assemble.  Could they possibly meet and address the massive economic problems the state has since Ned Lamont locked down the state in March?  Could they possibly cut state spending to address the massive downturn in tax revenues and yet again another budget deficit? Could they possibly overturn and eliminate the new .05% Payroll Tax on a hypothetical Family Leave Act/Law/Decree giveaway that may go into effect in 2022?  Could they make Connecticut Taxpayers safe from theft and thieves who seem to be running rampant in the state due to the lack of enforcement of laws by our Police especially with car thefts and car break ins?  Could they address the 25% State Unemployment rate?  Could they state in writing what are all the incredible new jobs that unemployed state residents are going to be training for?  Could they eliminate the upcoming 17 cents gasoline tax that Lamont has signed on to?  Could they tell Connecticut Taxpayers what is the plan to pay off $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with Connecticut's unfunded liabilities?  Could they tell Connecticut Taxpayers what is the plan and time frame to fully reopen Connecticut's destroyed economy?  Could they explain to Connecticut Taxpayers why the Lamont's family hedge fund invested companies and those individuals/businesses who have ties and connections to the Connecticut Democrat Party have received and are continuing to receive no bid Connecticut Taxpayer funded contracts?  Could they make these same contracts public knowledge and post them daily on the Connecticut Taxpayer funded state website in their entirety for public knowledge?  

2021 to me seems a great deal the same as did 2020 here in Connecticut.  We still have a corrupted secret executive order government.  We still have high taxes, high unemployment, a horrific business environment, massive debt and a net migration of population out of the state.  I think Connecticut Taxpayers should get some answers and accountability out of our new General Assembly.  I think however we will get more of the same failed General Assembly that used to meet in 2020 and has been meeting since 1991.  Free Connecticut from this tyranny called government in 2021.

$600 Take It Or Leave It-Do You Understand?

 

$600 Take It Or Leave It-Do You Understand?

Take it or leave it peasants.  Political waste, fraud and a classic view of our government swamp was on full display with one of most brazen rapes of American Taxpayers shown with over 5,600 pages of pork in the guise of “stimulus” and “Covid-19 relief”. The bill if one could actually read it or be allowed to read and digest it shows the waste of Taxpayers monies found in it and also shows the total disrespect the Democrat Party along with many RINO’s in Congress has for the American public in general.  It is corruption at its worse.

Why so much pork for foreign countries now while many Americans are on the verge of bankruptcy?  $600 is the bribe for Americans from this bill. 

The following is just a sampling of what has been found in the bill:

The National Art Gallery $154,000,000.

The Smithsonian $1,000,000,000.

The Kennedy Center $40,000,000.

The Ukraine $453,000,000

Pakistan $25,000,000 ($10,000,000 for gender identity)

Egypt $1,300,000.

Cambodia $85,000,000. (didn’t we fight a war there?)

Asia RIA $1,400,000,000. (I can’t find out what this actually is or what it is for?)

$2,500,000 to count the number of amberjack fish in the Gulf of Mexico.

Illegal Aliens can receive up to $1800 also in this bill.

The list of waste in this bill is endless.  And on and on it goes.  

$2 trillion dollars ($2,000,000,000,000) basically wasted on nothing to do with Covid-19 nor stimulus except for those who are politically connected.  

And Democrats are actually defending this bill as written.  It is sickening that this bill would even be passed.  It is an insult to the American public and the American Taxpayer.  The political swamp that created this bill in Washington is alive and well.  And the public be damned.  $600 take or leave it.  Why don’t you understand?  Our corrupt and unethical government has once again failed us.  Why are we paying taxes for to support this sham?

Connecticut's No Shared Sacrifice Government

 There is no shared sacrifice in Connecticut's government since Ned Lamont and his consulting group issued lock down orders in March.  None.  Do you know of any areas of Connecticut's budget that was cut?  Do you know of any elected and or appointed management or union state government official who took a wage or benefit cut?  Do you know why state employee unions received their pay increase on July 1 even though unemployment in the state was roughly 25% at that time?  And now the state unemployment fund in broke and has to borrow money from the federal government.  Do you why there was no cuts whatsoever in state spending in any state agency or department?  Do you know where your Federal tax dollars went in Connecticut's share of Cares Act monies?  Do you know how many firms that are affiliated with the Lamont Family Hedge Fund received parts of Connecticut's share of Cares Act monies? Do you know many of these same companies either received no bid emergency state contracts and or have donated directly or indirectly to the Connecticut Democrat Party?  

So why are you doing without if your state government is not doing without?  Why are you sacrificing if Ned Lamont or the Connecticut Democrat Party is not?  He along with all of our elected officials and both management/union employees are not giving up one red cent to help the state in our current economic crisis.  Ironic isn't it since Connecticut has $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities?  And we see many business owners life's work, their businesses and savings lost by the constant drumbeat of fear-doom and gloom due to the self induced chronic Covid-19 crisis and shutdown. A crisis that apparently will never end since an elite few who are politically connected can benefit from it economically apparently forever and ever since there is no and never will be questioning of where Connecticut Taxpayer's monies are being spent at this time.  

There is no shared sacrifice in Connecticut's government.  Why should there be anyways? Ned Lamont's state government is ruled by fear and executive order.   Connecticut's Taxpayers work for the benefit of our state government.  A state government void of ethics, economic responsibilities and common sense.  I again ask when will Connecticut be open again?  The silence continues to be deafening.  Especially since I can not hear anything due to my deafness when someone speaks through their Ned Lamont and his consulting group/hedge fund's mask of fear and shame. 

What Connecticut Needs

 What Connecticut Needs

Connecticut needs a great deal.  It used to be an economically diverse and dynamic state that was also known as “The Constitution State”.  The state had excellent schools, strong police departments, a strong sense of community, opportunities for jobs and personal growth along with diverse independent towns and cities that had a strong self-government.  Most of that changed with the draconian State Income tax that was passed in 1991 and 30 years of unchecked Democrat social liberalism.
Connecticut in 2020 is a vastly different and economically and socially incoherent wasteland of its citizens, businesses and resources.  Connecticut in 2020 has become a welfare state run by a multi-millionaire Governor and his hedge fund gaming profits off its taxpayers coupled with a small politically obedient base of state union and management workers dictating to the rest of the state their incessant demands for higher salaries, benefits and pensions.  Connecticut in 2020 is ruled by decree in a dictatorial fashion, those who question and or oppose this illegal rule are condemned and nullified by the ruling elite and its consultants.  Connecticut in 2020 is no longer a safe state to live in with constant crime, a de-funding and elimination of police services and rampant illegal drug problems and issues.  Connecticut in 2020 forces its citizens to live in constant fear of Covid-19 no matter what precautions they take.  Connecticut in 2020 has some of the highest taxes in the country, a crumbling infrastructure, a net migration of its population moving out of the state, and one of the poorest business climates in the country.  And Connecticut in 2020 now has over $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities that it has absolutely no idea how to address nor wishes to address.  
Connecticut needs a great deal if it wishes to avoid bankruptcy and a complete destruction of its economy and its citizens while hiding under the pretense of keeping us safe from Covid-19.  It is apparent that everything that our Executive Order Governor has done and is doing is still not protecting those most in need being our senior citizens in nursing homes and those citizens who are impaired physically and mentally.  And it also apparent that our Department of Public Health is ill prepared for any type of health crisis whether it is this current one and or one even more severe.
Connecticut needs a new government.  It needs a new state government that is open, that functions on a day-to-day basis, has checks and balances, eliminates lobbyists and most importantly is transparent to those taxpayers who are forced to support it.  Connecticut needs a complete independent forensic audit of all of it departments, buildings, equipment, and cash spent on every line item in its budget.  I am confident that the amount of fraud, waste and political do nothing patronage jobs that would be found would astound even the most liberal taxpayer in our state.  Connecticut also needs a working media that has objectivity and is not run by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
A small group of individuals in our state who believe in freedom and who are continually condemned as being “hard right” and or “ridiculous” for bringing up the chronic waste and fraud that we see in the state on a daily basis will continue our fight to restore Connecticut.  Maybe just maybe it might be time for others to join us and bombard our elected officials with our suggestions and demands to make Connecticut free again and not a vast economic wasteland.  Maybe just maybe someone in our supposed state government would listen this time.  Free Connecticut.  Or may just maybe it is too late.  I can’t say that I didn’t try to save our state nor do I have any regrets about my actions to save it either. 

Connecticut: The Lost State

 

Connecticut: The Lost State

Connecticut is the lost state.  It is lost in so many ways it becomes difficult to keep track of.  The daily fear based state media along with our non-functioning government coupled with an Executive Order Governor who is profiting from Covid-19 has created an out-of-control economic debacle unfolding in front of our eyes.  We have a broke unemployment compensation system, excessively high unemployment, businesses shutting down never to reopen again, a net migration of population moving out of the state, the state ranking last or near last in all economic activities, the state ranking in the top five in highest taxes in the country and $150 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities.  What’s more to say if we are not lost?  And the reward for this fiscal nightmare is two more years of unchecked one party rule by the Connecticut Democrat Party in this past election.  We are lost as a state.

In case our elected officials do not realize it the shutdown of the state economy due to Covid-19 coupled with the limited reopening of certain segments of the state economy have done little to eliminate fear in the state nor get Connecticut working again.  Is public education functional at all?  What are our children learning in school-how to wear a mask?  The constant unknown in our state is perpetuated by the lack of leadership Ned Lamont has shown in this crisis with again statistics that do not justify the closures that continue to be mandated by Lamont and his consultants.  And what will be done to close the massive budget deficits in the coming budget?

Since we are the lost state the losses in revenues will probably be debated in the following manner:

1. Executive Order Governor Lamont signs an Executive Order mandating tolls.  The Democrat controlled legislature accepts it as law stating there are no alternatives to raising much needed cash for the state (even though people are driving less and that it will increase the cost of living in state dramatically)

2. Legalize all forms of betting.  How much revenue comes in from this is unknown, those most likely to bet are the individuals who have the most to lose and further their problems of being poor and or in poverty.

3. Legalize cannabis.  This would be a liberal’s dream as supposedly the tax revenue that would be coming into Connecticut would be astounding and never ending.  No mention of the continuing long term drug problems that Connecticut has with legal and illegal drug overdoses and deaths-the state is more concerned with the revenue that would coming in.  I see a great deal of irony that we have destroyed the state economy in trying to keep people from dying from Covid-19 while there is a carefree attitude towards drug addiction so long as it generates tax revenue.  Not to mention the amount of young people who will become addicted to this legal drug and move onto stronger drugs in the future.  Not to mention the amount of accidents that will be forthcoming while people are impaired under this “legal” marijuana.

4. Continue to raise all state income taxes and state sales taxes while adding additional user fees to any and every activity that takes place in the state.  This tried and true method I am sure will be sought as the “only” alternative to keep state employee salaries, benefits and pensions at excessively high levels.  In turn these high salaries, benefits and pensions are unsustainable and have given state taxpayers one of the worse managed and run state governments in the country.

A more simplistic solution to the state’s economic problems is one that is rarely mentioned nor endorsed by our current one party rule.  Drastically cut state spending.  We the taxpayers of Connecticut must cut our spending but this concept is unheard of in Hartford.  Then and only then will Connecticut be able to attempt to recover economically from the many years of fiscal neglect and incompetence that has been brought about by the Connecticut Democrat Party.  This Covid-19 crisis has shown Connecticut taxpayers how poorly prepared the state is to protect it citizens especially those most vulnerable during a crisis while allowing unchecked profits to be gained from those politically connected especially for Ned Lamont and family.  I personally am tired of paying taxes in Connecticut to support this fraud and ineffectiveness called state government.  Maybe by not funding Hartford would be a way for Connecticut to find its way again from its lost state status in America today.  Maybe that should be tried this time?