New Budget. No New Or Higher Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

The State of Connecticut Pension Crisis

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

The Connecticut Democrat Party seems to be at war with the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers left in the state.

 With Traveling Dan Malloy's initial budget proposal of shifting a massive burden of state spending to fiscally responsible towns and cities through the guise of higher property taxes for state teachers pensions along with higher state taxes coupled with the Democrat House and Senate proposals of tolls, shopping bag taxes and higher sales and income taxes the Connecticut Democrat Party seems to be at war with Connecticut Taxpayers.  In my economic opinion the tax and spend proposals developed by the Connecticut Democrat Party are economically illiterate and economically inept.  They show why the Connecticut Democrat Party can not govern effectively any more.
Connecticut's state government has a massive spending problem.  It spends money rampantly to support a ruling political elite that consists of state workers both union and management through excessive salaries, benefits and pensions.  A true spoils system for the politically connected that has helped to ruin our state economically.  Then we hear that the Connecticut Democrat Party blames the Connecticut Republican Party for our economic demise. 
Connecticut continues to rank last in many economic categories and will continue in the future based upon what we are seeing from this current budget session.  There are no cuts in spending.  No mention of real pension reform.  No cuts in salaries or benefits.  No changes to the ruling political elites economic power over Connecticut Taxpayers.
Connecticut has become a horrific example of economic Socialism at its worse.  A total disregard for any type of economic logic nor economic plan to bring the state out of its economic depression.
More of the same is the theme for the Connecticut Democrat Party in 2017.  More spending and more taxes. No reforms.  No law too large or too small to break for the Connecticut Democrat Party in 2017.
Why didn't Dan Malloy's and the Connecticut Democrat Party two highest tax increases in state history solve our economic problems?  The Connecticut Democrat Party seems to be at war with the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers left in the state.  No make that the Connecticut Democrat Party has declared a complete economic war with the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers left in the state.  Their hatred of Connecticut Taxpayers knows no limits. 

Thanks to the Connecticut Democrat Party Connecticut's Tax Freedom Day Is May 21.

Here come the new taxes for 2017 for Connecticut Taxpayers thanks to the Connecticut Democrat Party.  By the way Connecticut still has a budget deficit.
1. A five cent plastic bag tax.  Any bag that is used by a retailer will be accessed a five cent tax that consumers will have to pay for.  Supposedly this will reduce the number of plastic bags used.  As we know the Connecticut Democrat Party hates these bags as they provide a convenience for shoppers to place their items in that they purchase.  I will assume that not one member of the Connecticut Democrat Party uses plastic bags when they shop. 
2. Tolls.  As one representative stated tolls would be "all over the place".  Connecticut Taxpayers would now have an even higher cost of transportation even with one of the highest state per gallon gasoline taxes in the country. Please remember a few years back that the secret gross earnings tax on fuel was supposed to resolve all of our "transportation and road" problems we had in the state.
3. A carbon tax.  This would increase the costs of all energy in Connecticut by placing a $15 per ton tax on carbon emitted through fossil fuels going up $5 each year afterwords.  My estimates of increased costs for Connecticut Taxpayers include a 15 to 20 cent increase in home heating oil and gasoline 10 to 15 cents a gallon.  Electric costs would continue to skyrocket.  This tax would placate the global warming crowd (who apparently do not drive cars or heat or cool where they live) like State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr.
4. An increase in the state sales tax to 7% with an expansion to many previously exempted areas.  This would allow Connecticut to be ranked back up in the top ten states in our country with one of the highest sales taxes in the country.
5. An elimination of the current $200 property tax exemption on your state income tax for certain income filers.  Thus this can be viewed as an increase in the state income taxes.
6. A shifting of the state mandated teacher funded pension system costs to cities and towns thus increasing the already high property tax burden that local taxpayers pay.  The cut is $400,000,000 which may contribute to a 3 to 6 mill property tax increase depending upon where you live.
What is interesting is that there is no mention of reforming state employees management and non management salaries, benefits and pensions.  I wonder why? 
New and higher taxes are the order of the this legislature.  More political patronage, nepotism, waste and fraud.  On May 21 Connecticut Taxpayers finishing paying their total tax bill for the year.  It is the longest length of time for any state as we rank 50 out of 50 states.  Last in the country.  Dead last.  Thanks to the Connecticut Democrat Party.  

It is Time to Take Back Connecticut. Again is it too late?

As I look back at my columns written over the years I see a reoccurring theme.  Connecticut for whatever reason embraces a care free attitude towards laws, spending and political nepotism.  No matter what the year, season, law or economic issue the results seem to be the same.
The results are poor economic decisions that have bankrupted Connecticut.
Higher taxes will solve all of the state's problems.
Yet even more and higher taxes will solve all of the state's problems.
Connecticut has one of the highest levels of taxes in the country.
There is no budget deficit even when there is one.
Pension reform does not exist until supposedly 2032.
Political nepotism and political appointments run amok.
Regionalization will solve our big cities problems by penalizing well run towns and giving their monies to these corrupt big cities.
There continues to be a net migration of population moving out of Connecticut.
There continues to be a net migration of businesses moving out of Connecticut.
Short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities are ignored.
Connecticut ranks near last in the country in all types of business, economic freedom and economic well being categories.
There is no following state laws or Connecticut's Constitution.
A voter passed Constitutional Spending Cap is not Constitutional.
Limits on giving money to the state Democrat Party are ignored and circumvented.
Voters have no legal power to recall any elected state official.
Voters have no legal power to eliminate the taxpayer funded public campaign financing program.
Illegal Immigration is embraced and funded by legal Connecticut Taxpayers monies.
Your body parts will become property of Connecticut when you die to be disposed of as they see fit.
Prisoners who commit violent crimes are released early to be allowed to commit even more violent crimes.
Connecticut needs to start all over again.  It is a political and economic mess that should alarm even the most liberal in the state.  This current legislative session again proves the lack of economic foresight and long term solutions to Connecticut's problems.
The answers to me are simplistic.  Cut spending.  Cut waste and fraud in Connecticut's government.  Cut salaries, benefits and pensions for both management and non management state workers.  Eliminate useless laws and state programs that waste money.  Lower taxes.
It is simple yet complex.  Especially for individuals who feed off of the Connecticut Taxpayer's trough for their personal political and financial gains while these same Connecticut Taxpayers are condemned by these same politcially connected individuals.
It is Time to Take Back Connecticut.  Again is it too late?

Connecticut's Budget. Hurry Up Republicans.

Dan Malloy wants the Connecticut Republicans budget immediately.  ASAP. Pronto.  Malloy in my opinion needs the Connecticut Republicans budget immediately to confide to our biased media how bad it is.  In all probability it will contain real pension reforms, cut spending and will allow for some business tax cuts.   It will be dead on arrival as Malloy has not and never will negotiate a budget with the Connecticut Republicans for the rest of his term.  After much grandstanding and rhetoric Connecticut Taxpayers will be forced to pay more taxes on a state level.  They will be paying more property taxes on a local level.  They will continue to pay for a ruling political elite and a state budget that consists basically of salaries, benefits and pensions.
Financial and fiscal reform is dead on arrival.
Salary reform reform is dead on arrival.
Benefit reform is dead on arrival.
Pension reform is dead on arrival.
Yet Dan Malloy will scream for that Connecticut Republican budget proposal.  He will dismiss it as economic garbage immediately.  He will state that he did the best he could given all the bad things he inherited from previous administrations.  He will state that regionalism is the only way out to prop up the Democrat city voting machines of Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven through the economic penalization of economically efficient towns.  He will state that higher taxes are the only way out to somehow restore economic vitality to the state even though in 2016 no new jobs were created in the state and that taxes have been raised non stop since he has taken office. 
For 2017 Dan Malloy and his Connecticut Democrat Party priorities are basic.  New and higher taxes to continue to support Connecticut state employees both management and non management.  Give legal status and resident benefits to those who are here illegally.  To tax plastic shopping bags and make your body state property when you die.
Connecticut's budget is still a mess.  Compliments of Dan Malloy and the Connecticut Democrat Party.  Hurry up Connecticut Republican budget.  Malloy ran out of time.  More importantly Connecticut Taxpayers have run out of time, money and patience.

Connecticut's Economic Danger of More Taxes

One can be very confused by trying to understand the concept of the Connecticut Democrat Party's rhetoric with regards to new and higher taxes.   If one is to follow their line of thinking one could argue that by taxing virtually anything and everything Connecticut's economic problems will be solved.  Gone will be the constant year-in and year-out yearly budget deficits.  Each year since Governor Malloy has taken office he has raised and or initiated new taxes.  Each year since Governor Malloy has taken office Connecticut has had a budget deficit.  Each year since Governor Malloy has taken office many Democrat liberals want to implement new and higher taxes especially on the working "rich" of the state.  Each year more and more working taxpayers are moving out of Connecticut to avoid the new and higher taxes that are signed into laws.  Each year Connecticut's tax revenues drop.  Each year the budget deficit grows higher.  Each year Connecticut's short and long term debt increases along with its unfunded liabilities.  Thus Connecticut's combined debt is anywhere from $60 to $80 billion dollars with no relief in sight.
Do you see a pattern here?
Do you see the economic danger of new and higher taxes impacting Connecticut's economy to the point of no return?
Can you as a Connecticut Taxpayer imagine a budget that realistically cuts state spending especially for salaries, benefits and pensions that in turn would start to pay down Connecticut's record debt?
Imagine it for it is not reality, nor in my opinion will ever be reality so long as Governor Malloy remains Governor and the State Legislature is a tool of the politically connected and its unions.
2017 picks up the same economic rhetoric as we seen in prior years.  More taxes solve everything.  Here in Connecticut more taxes further close the door of economic freedom for Connecticut Taxpayers.  That is the danger that the Connecticut Democrat Party offers and embraces to its citizens.
Do you see a pattern here?
Do you see the economic danger of new and higher taxes impacting Connecticut's economy to the point of no return?
I do.

Connecticut is a Dysfunctional Mess

Is Connecticut operating in a rational and or logical manner following its state constitution?
Is Connecticut following the set of rules and laws that encompasses its legal system?
Is Connecticut protecting its legal law abiding and taxpaying citizens?
Is Connecticut's Legislature and Governor finding any economic solutions to its short and long term debt of billions upon billions of dollars?
Is Connecticut a dysfunctional mess?
One can argue in a persistent manner that Connecticut is exceptionally dysfunctional.
It is difficult to explain anymore the total lack of economic reasoning of our state government.  From an economics point of view our government's only concern is to protect a political minority elite of bloated salaries, benefits and pensions in both management and union jobs.  The economic costs of sustaining an excessive state workforce continues to drain Connecticut taxpaying citizens.  Each budget for the past seven years of the Malloy regime has produced more and higher taxes, more and higher spending.  Each year we hear the same doomsday draconian cuts to social welfare spending that hurt those most in need in Connecticut while never a word is said about the ruling political minority elite and cutting their excesses.  It is the same Connecticut Democrat lies year in and year out. 
The economic costs of sustaining illegal immigrants continues to drain legal Connecticut taxpaying citizens.  It seems that this Administrations only goal it to give legal rights to those who live in Connecticut illegally.  The hell with Connecticut's legal taxpayers and citizens.
Thus nothing has changed in 2017.  Connecticut is a dysfunctional mess.  Connecticut's Democrat ruling political elite have gained even more control over its citizens and taxpayers in this new economically dysfunctional budget.
As a lifelong Connecticut citizen and taxpayer I am really close to throwing in the towel on this state and its excesses.  Reform?  Lower spending? Lower taxes?  Protection of rights of legal citizens?  No, no, no and more no is what we hear from Connecticut's Democrat ruling political elite.
The dysfunctional economy continues.  I blame Connecticut's Democrat ruling political elite.  They own what used to be a great, free, independent and constitutional state.  They are the political cesspool who rule Connecticut with an iron fist.  And they still can not see how they continue to damage Connecticut.   Cut taxes, cut spending, cut salary, benefit and pension bloat.  Those suggestions are only laughed at by Connecticut's Democrat ruling political elite.

Will there ever be a debate between Connecticut Progressives and Connecticut Conservatives?

Will there ever be a debate between Connecticut Progressives and Connecticut Conservatives?  On the future of the Connecticut economy?  On the tax structure of Connecticut?  On benefits, wages and pensions for Connecticut state employees both union, non union and management positions?  On addressing the short and long term debt structure of Connecticut? 
It logical that many would view this debate as being fruitless. 
The Connecticut Democrat Party has an exceptional liberal and progressive view of the state's economy and economic conditions.  It seems on annual basis their policies and plans of action include the elimination of more personal and business freedoms.  It also includes implementation of new taxes, extensions of existing taxes and shifting state mandated programs to most local towns and cities with no or limited funding being given to them to run them.  To them and to the voters who back them this seems to be an acceptable way to run Connecticut's government.  Transparency and the rule of state laws also are ignored.  The protection of illegal immigrants and a non equilibrium minimum wage are a priority.
The Connecticut Republican Party has a handful of conservatives in the party who try to act as a voice of reason in their limited debates with running Connecticut's government.  The most noted in my opinion are State Senators Joe Markley and Len Suzio and State Representatives Rob Sampson and Craig Fishbein who are fiscally and socially conservative.  They are in my opinion a guiding light in trying to correct the excesses of the failed economic and social programs in our state.  Peter Lumaj a conservative who most recently ran for Secretary of State in 2014 is leading a drive for the Republican Gubernatorial nomination in 2018.  The Connecticut Republican Party has continually fought to be allowed to be included in state budget negotiations but have been boxed out for years now.  2017 is no different in my opinion.  Also in my opinion the Connecticut Republican Party over the years has become very moderate and liberal in its views, thus becoming non existent  in the governing process.  In the cities of Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven the local Republican Party is irrelevant and virtually non existent as the local Democrat Party rules with an iron fist with horrific economic results.  
The 2017 Connecticut State Budget offers more of the same policies and taxes that keep Connecticut in the bottom five states in our country as far as job creation, debt per capita, unfunded liabilities, economic vitality, economic wellness and highest tax categories.  The payment for these excesses in now being passed onto to local taxpayers through the form of higher property taxes. 
Will there ever be a debate between Connecticut Progressives and Connecticut Conservatives?  I highly doubt it as those are economically and financially mobile are moving out of Connecticut daily. Many of Connecticut's middle class are trapped here in an economic cesspool of taxation without representation.  The debate here is real.  It has been ignored too long.  A rational economic thought process needs to begin again in Connecticut.  It still has not started in 2017. 

Governor Malloy and the Largest Property Tax Increase in Connecticut's History

Governor Malloy loves to raise taxes.  Each budget speech that he has made as Governor has included the yearly highest tax increase in our state's history.  And each year Connecticut still records record budget deficits.  And each year high level politically connected Connecticut state management employees see increases in their salaries and pensions.  And each year we hear the same stale political rhetoric that these are the tough decisions that need to be made and we all must sacrifice to help Connecticut.
This years budget message is no different in that he presents the largest property tax increase in the state's history by shifting state mandated education pension programs and a bulk of their funding to local taxpayers.  But that is not all.  Malloy's plan also takes away budgeted state funding from fiscally well run towns and gives it to the fiscally inept cities of Connecticut like New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.  Thus Wallingford being a fiscally conservative AAA bond rated town will lose well over $20 Million dollars in aid to help run state mandated programs.  Here are the actual proposed Education Cost Sharing grant cuts for Wallingford in 2017-$21,301,522, in 2018-$11,109,557 and in 2019-$11,109,557 a loss of $10,191,965.  Aid for Wallingford will be cut in FY 2018 by $8,142,379 also.
Thus Wallingford Taxpayers along with many local town taxpayers will see their property tax bills skyrocket in the next local fiscal year to help pay for this Connecticut Democrat Party tax increase. 
It is laughable to listen to this pomposity that is spewed each budget with the same failed results.  One can also bet that in January 2018 Connecticut will be facing its usual budget deficit and crisis with the predictable tax increases that come from it.
Dan Malloy's new budget is no different than all of his other failed budgets and tax increases.  For Connecticut Taxpayers it is disgusting to see that there was not one cent of reform in making the currently employed political elite in high level state management positions who will be receiving state pensions in the future and not contribute a penny to them, will still not contribute a penny to them.    Zero contributions in exchange for a lifetime pension funded by Connecticut Taxpayers.  Why?  Why was this not addressed by Malloy?
The Connecticut Democrat Party loves to raise taxes.  The Connecticut Democrat Party loves to take care of their own political elite. The Connecticut Democrat Party loves to crucify Connecticut Taxpayers.
2017 brings more economic hardship to Connecticut Taxpayers and more economic spoils and benefits to Dan Malloy and the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Is it possible to Take Back Connecticut?  Dan Malloy and the Connecticut Democrat Party says no-never.

Legal Connecticut Taxpayers Have No "Sanctuary" In Connecticut

Yes there are more taxes on the horizon if you are one of the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers left in our "Sanctuary" state.  As a Taxpayer I can see how the Democrat Legislature goes about it business.  Many legislators crave media attention thus they introduce many bills that in many cases continue to erode our personal freedom and raises taxes and or fees.  They talk up reforms for the state to try to attract businesses and correct pension deficits.  They posture and cut deals for the lobbyists and unions who have an iron grip on our budget and political system.  And the end result is and has been in the past more and higher taxes along with higher budget deficits.  This years theme seems to be protecting illegal immigrants in a "Sanctuary" status as a "Sanctuary" state. 
Our core cities that have massive economic debt are readily embracing "Sanctuary"  a safe haven for those in our state who are here illegally.  Middletown just decreed "Sanctuary" status without any input from their taxpayers or voters.  My question that I ask and in many cases never get an answer to is why are these people here illegally and what are their costs to support them here in our state? 
Thus one must assume that our state government helps to support these "Sanctuary" cities and those people who are here illegally through legal Connecticut Taxpayers monies.
I can understand why people from foreign countries would want to escape terror and communist governments like China, Cuba and North Korea.  I have no issues taking in these individuals from these countries as in most cases they are escaping inhumane living conditions.  In my opinion also China, Cuba and North Korea need to become free countries.
But I do not understand why people leave other countries to come here illegally other than to make cash to send home and or get free benefits from our government.  What is also lost in this "Sanctuary" argument is why are the countries that these immigrants are coming from do not have any responsibility for their citizens? 
I really would like to know what Connecticut Taxpayers are paying to support "Sanctuary" status.
Especially since we have $60 to $80 Billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities with basically no plan to pay it off.  And especially when Dan Malloy wants to eliminate rifle salutes at funeral services for our veterans to save money. 
Where is the "Sanctuary" for legal Connecticut Taxpayers?  Obviously not in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Legislature's Pomposity

The Connecticut Legislature fascinates me.  To me it is a  group of individuals working on a supposed part time basis that get together each year and submits hundreds of bills many symbolic and many taking away personal freedoms in the state.  These bills range from the ridiculous as seen in licensing cats to get revenue, placing a tax on plastic shopping bags, new tolls, a tax on how many miles you drive in the state, making Connecticut a "Sanctuary State" and to tax a large can or bottle of soda.  These bills get media attention while the underlying economic issues continue to be ignored.  And ignored.  And ignored even more.   While Connecticut's politically connected continue to be pampered in their excesses.
For example what is the plan to address the pension crisis?  The current negotiated settlement does not do anything to limit the growth in pensions nor properly fund them.  It kicks down the road addressing the issue to 2032, when most of our elected officials will comfortably be collecting their bloated pensions and benefits out-of-state. 
Another example is the addressing of Connecticut's short and long term debt along with its unfunded liabilities-what is the plan?  From what we see in this legislative session there is not much talk about it as all state union contracts seem to be safe.  As a taxpayer I wonder why the Legislature can not vote on every contract that comes up for both bargaining and non bargaining unit state employees?  After all aren't state taxpayers paying for their salaries and benefits?  By not voting on these contracts it represents to me the lack of respect that is shown to the Connecticut Taxpayers.  The respect is only shown to those individual workers who have great political ties and influence in the state. 
Why are state Judges afforded a full pension after a few years of service?  What makes them so special and why?  How does the state afford this?  Why is this considered essential?
Why can state employees supposedly work massive levels of overtime in their last three years of employment to boost their pensions?  And in some cases add their mileage reimbursements amounts to their final pension benefits?
The Connecticut Legislatures solution to our economic crisis seems to be more of the same, new and higher taxes.  The same stale talk about cutting spending for those truly in need while increasing salaries and benefits for those politically connected.  The same rhetoric.
In 2017 I really expected  to see some realistic solutions to cutting spending, salaries and benefits along with pensions by the Connecticut Legislature.  Instead I see the same meaningless pomposity that defines the Connecticut Legislature.
It is time to take back Connecticut in 2018.

Connecticut Lacks Leadership-The Emptiness of the State Capitol

The State of Connecticut lacks leadership.  It has lacked leadership for many years now.  Our current Governor has traveled all over the country throughout his terms bashing all things conservative and Republican.  He claims to be the voice and supposed leader of the Democrat Governors Association and is able to travel the country and do his dirty work.  He was at the President Trump inauguration stating it will be a "signal that we are not going away."  If only he could do the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers a real favor and leave Connecticut permanently.  And his reign of economic destruction would mercifully end for Connecticut Taxpayers.  Why does he have so many problems in leading Connecticut?  It is because he realizes that his Democrat tax and spend policies have failed the state and have left it in a wretched economic position?  Connecticut is last or near last in all economic categories-why?  The reason is his policies.
Connecticut lacks leadership.  It lacks political ethics from top to bottom in our state capitol.  We have a state capitol filled with ineptness and political cronyism.  We have a state capitol filled with unqualified political appointments that receive excessive salaries, benefits and pensions.  We have a state capitol filled with a lack of economic reality since the only concerns of state government is to provide for an appeasement, placation and constant concessions to prop up and please the state labor unions.  Connecticut Taxpayers fund this entire economic debacle day in and day out.
Connecticut lacks leadership.  Our two United States Senators can never have enough ego gratification and offer only rhetoric to problems while constantly bashing all things Republican.  I am sure Senators Blumenthal and Murphy will been seen daily in front of Connecticut's media assailing and condemning President Trump, his cabinet and his policies. 
Connecticut has massive economic problems.  It is virtually bankrupt with bloated state salaries, benefits and pensions that do not seem to be abating in the future.  It has to borrow money for its day to day expenses.  Its short and long term debt and unfunded liabilities are $60 to $80 billion dollars.
Thus what is the solution?  Our current legislature is predictable.  For all Connecticut Taxpayers hear about are new and higher taxes through the forms of tolls for its highway and bridge system that is currently in third world condition, higher income taxes and even more new trivial taxes.  It is the only policy that the Connecticut Democrat Party in conjunction with the state labor unions know of.  Make Connecticut Taxpayers pay for their excesses.
I suggest that Governor Malloy resigns.  I know he will not.  But I as a Connecticut Taxpayer and life long resident of this state see no economic future in a state that has been so mismanaged for so many years.  It is a leadership void that I really do not know if it will ever end.  To me Connecticut has become a political playground that funds deception, discrimination, partisanship, and unethical behaviors that Connecticut taxpayers must accept as the norm and truth.  It what our Connecticut elected officials want us to believe that their lies are the truth and truth is a big lie.
The State of Connecticut lacks leadership.   The State Capitol is vacuum of economic waste.
It is time to take back Connecticut in 2018.

Connecticut and its Deficit

No the Connecticut state budget deficit has not gone away.  Nor will it likely go away in 2017 or 2018.  Approximately 40% and more of the state budget goes to state employees benefits and salaries and debt interest payments in 2017.  For state that has a population of 3,587,860 it has short and long term debt obligations of $60 to $80 billion dollars.  These are not new figures nor should they be surprising.  State government is a tool of the politically connected.  If you are politically connected you are able to procure a state job that allows you a high salary along with high benefits with a pension that is unsurpassed in the real economic world (of which Connecticut state government is not part of).  Just look at the deals recently made between two Senators and a Representative. Add to the mix a total lack of accountability in the job and you have a taxpayer funded totally ineffective and bloated state government that in reality does little to represent its citizens.
How did Connecticut end up with this deficit?  Years and years of inflated and needless programs, projects and employees have taken a toll on the state.  $4 billion dollars of tax increases has not even put a dent into the never ending deficit.  The Utopian State Income Tax, a tool of tyranny, did little to solve any deficit problems.
And the solutions presented by state departments to address cuts in their budgets naturally tries to impact as much pain on those who need their services the most.  Taxpayers must accept these supposed solutions while the same state workers who offer them in some cases do not contribute a penny to their pensions and will never take a pay cut or a cut in their benefits.  Those in need remain in need while our state government laughs at them.  Just like serfs in a serfdom.  Politics as usual.
What is the solution?  Real reform.  Cuts in salaries, pensions and benefits.  It is a simple process.  In private industry it is a real solution.  In Connecticut state government it is a fantasy.
Connecticut Taxpayers need to say no to our current government.  Republicans need to become more vocal and offer solutions by leading by example.  Not by cutting deals that still protect their political elite.  And Dan Malloy should resign as he has done little other than run Connecticut into the ground with his non conservative failed economic policies of higher taxes to infinity.
No the Connecticut state budget deficit has not gone away.  Nor will it likely go away in 2017 or 2018.  The legislature if it is truly a governing body needs to resolve it today.  Their excuses have grown stale.

Tired of being a Connecticut State Representative or State Senator?

Tired of being a Connecticut State Representative or State Senator?
Just get elected. Then need more cash and a pension?
Not to worry just cut a deal and your troubles are over.
No more financials worries for these three former State Representative and Senators.
Former State Representative Stephen Dargan, D-West Haven scored himself a mere $92,500 payoff in his new job in the State Board of Pardons.  Mr. Dargan was now able to triple his former salary and more importantly dramatically increase his lifetime pension.
Former State Senator Rob Kane, R-Waterford scored himself an even better position than Dargan becoming a Republican state auditor for a mere $150,000 a year.  Mr. Kane was now able to quintuple his former salary and more importantly dramatically increase his lifetime pension.
Former State Senator Eric Coleman, D-Bloomfield scored himself an even better position than Kane becoming a Judge for a mere $168,000 a year and only has to work five years before mandatory retirement.  Mr. Coleman was now able to more than quintuple his former salary and more importantly dramatically increase his lifetime pension.
Entitlements for our elected and appointed officials here in Connecticut.
What fiscal crisis?  Not for these three men who place their political self interest above the good of the state.  After they are entitled to it.  Politics for pay seems to be their game and the game of all of our elected officials.
All at the expense of the remaining Connecticut Taxpayers left here in Connecticut.
There is no pension crisis in Connecticut unless you are not an employee of the State. 
Reform of Connecticut's pension system.  All talk-no action.
Want a plan to correct it?  Kick it down the road to 2032.
This is yet another example of Connecticut's horrifically and fiscally inept government in action.
It is time to take back Connecticut in 2018.

Connecticut's Economy 2017

Happy New Year.
It is now 2017.  A great deal has changed in Connecticut in the past year.  The Connecticut Democrat Party lost a great deal of seats in the State House and Senate in this past election.  The Senate is now evenly divided 18-18 however the Democrat Lieutenant Governor holds the tie breaking vote thus one can view it as a one vote Democrat majority.  In the House the Democrats hold a 79-72 majority however the Democrats have lost 35 seats in the past four elections.  The Democrat majority in my opinion will end in 2018 in all areas of Connecticut's Legislature.
2017 represents another year of economic problems with Connecticut's bloated state budget and government.  The sacred political patronage system is under fire as excessively high salaries, benefits and pensions for both management and union workers are being seen finally as an economic problem in paying for them each year and in the future.  I will remind everyone that Connecticut's short and long term debt is about $60 to $80 billion dollars with absolutely no plan to address it by either side of the political aisle.  We will hear the constant rhetoric of trying to do something but I am confident that nothing will be done and 2018 will start off will another $1 to $2 billion dollars budget deficit like the $1.5 billion dollar deficit we have today in 2017.  What is the plan to address the deficit?  Yet more and higher taxes?  To drive more businesses out of state?  Why are management pension so high?  Why do 25% of those receiving a state pension contribute nothing-zero to their pensions?  Why is the State Legislature so generous with Connecticut's remaining taxpayers monies to give it away like this?  And then tell Veterans that they no longer can have a military presence at their funerals?
This is the true economic problem of Connecticut's government.  It is only worried about protecting those who are hand picked for their highly paid, high benefit and pension, non preforming jobs.  The jobs that they need not be held accountable for in any way shape or form.  It has helped ruin Connecticut economically.
I will continue my quest to educate my readers and voters of Connecticut that we need a change in our state government.  We need to hold all elected and non elected officials accountable for their economic actions.   We need to bombard our Representatives and Senators with phone calls, letters, emails and question why they are making such poor decisions for our state.  It needs to start today.
Debt is cancer for our state.  The disposal and disregard of those most needy in our state is a shameless political act that has grown stale.  Enough is enough.
It Is Time To Take Back Connecticut In 2018.

Swick's Final Thoughts on 2016

This will be my last column for 2016.  I will be back with a special New Years Day column in 2017.
A great deal has occurred in 2016.  We have a new President Trump and Vice President Pence.  We have seen the beginning of the end for the Clinton dynasty.  In Connecticut voters continue their rejection of the Connecticut Democrat Party and their irrational economic tax and spend policies.  Connecticut continues to lose many businesses and continues to have a net migration of population out of Connecticut.  Connecticut continues to rank near last in most economic categories in 2016.  The state's pension system is an economic debacle broke with a ridiculous proposal currently to push to 2032 the bulk of its debt.  It was a year of the same stale economic rhetoric from Hartford's Omnipotent One Party Rule which mercifully is day by day losing its grip on power in Hartford.  The City of Hartford continues is economic decline with a brand new baseball stadium in disrepair with no games being played there along with the push for a "regional" sales tax to bail them out.  More of the same in Hartford.  There was the usual mix of Connecticut political corruption that just never seems to end.
Dan Malloy will continue as the Head of the Governors Association shaking down donors who will demand better results than what they got in this past election and spending the bulk of his time out of Connecticut in hope of getting a new job when does not get re elected in 2018.  The hope is once again that in 2018 the Republicans will prevail in taking control of the State House and complete control of the State Senate rather the current split 18-18.  And more importantly win the Governorship with a conservative candidate like Peter Lumaj in the upcoming election.
I also think about the hundreds of million of dollars that was spent in this last campaign.  Think about all of the people who could have been helped, the poor, the sick, college loans, etc. with it rather where it went, in the pockets of overpaid political consultants, a biased media and pollsters who have no clue what is going on in our country.  Also think about all of the money that is in the Clinton Foundation that does not get spent on "charitable" endeavors.  
Thus we will be entering 2017 with a new found hope in a new and dynamic President Trump and Vice President Pence who have already shaken up Washington and its stale political process.  We know the liberal media will each day condemn him however it looks like he will be ignoring them and take his messages directly to the citizens and taxpayers of our country.  What a refreshing thought for America.  In my economic opinion when all is said and done America will have entered a great period of economic growth and prosperity and our future will look great again.
I wish to thank all of my loyal readers who both and agree and disagree with my writings and thoughts.  I wish to also thank Capitol Report 2016 for being on their "The List" of columnists.  Without you this column does not exist.  I have always wanted what is best for my town of Wallingford, for Connecticut and for the United States of America whether you agree with me or not.  It can only be achieved through economic growth and prosperity,  a belief in spirituality, through productive and fair employment, through self reliance not reliance on an ineffective government and through a desire to see all in our country be successful and in good health.
Happy Hanukkah.
Merry Christmas.
Happy New Year.
Thank You.
See you next year.

Connecticut's Continuing Pension Crisis

Connecticut's traveling Governor Dan Malloy never ceases to amaze me with his economic illiteracy and irrational and costly economic plans.  The newest piece of economic garbage comes in the form of addressing Connecticut's pension crisis.  Connecticut's pension funds are severely underfunded and in many cases former state employees are able to able add their overtime, mileage costs, etc. to their final pension amounts.  Thus Connecticut's pensions are broke with taxpayers footing the bill.
This new Malloy plan that does nothing to increase workers contribution levels nor cut back on pension payouts.  About 25% of all state employees contribute nothing toward their pension benefit. Most others pay 2%.  For comparison purposes 7% is the national average of contribution. The beauty of Connecticut's political spoils system is that Connecticut taxpayers must be forced to pay incredibly large pensions to non union state managers, commissioners, judges, state elected officials who in most cases do not contribute a penny to their lifetime payout.  This is not addressed in Malloy's proposal.  Nor what is addressed is why the actual pension liabilities have been pushed down the road to 2032 a time when most Connecticut's political elite will be receiving their pensions in a low taxed state like Florida.  The complexity of this proposal astounds as me as I (as an economist) am having trouble as to how explain it.  It looks like the state will increase its funding somewhat to their pension liability in the hope that their rate of return will increase.  If it does not increase then most of the debt will be pushed back to 2032 and at that time some new plan will be presented.
My plan is simple.  All 25% of those state employees who do not contribute to their pension will now start to contribute 7% of their income from dollar one with no cap.  Their pensions would be capped at a 30% level of highest income.  This is still generous.  The other state employees who now only contribute 2% of their incomes would see an increase to 7%, all new state employees would be placed in a self funded retirement plan.  All life time medical benefits would end for any state employee just retiring, they can either be offered the state exchange health care plan or a similar type of Medicare plan that we in the private sector must accept.
Remember Connecticut is broke.  It ranks last in pension unfunded liabilities.  It has run out of ways to tax its remaining citizens.  Connecticut taxpayers need not fund a lifetime of excesses for those who have political connections in Hartford.  It is time to take back Connecticut's bloated pensions.