July 22, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

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

July 15, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

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

July 8, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

241 Years of Freedom July 4, 1776 - July 4, 2017

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated  Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

July 1, 2017 and No Connecticut Budget

July 1, 2017 and there is no new Connecticut budget.  Nor does it look like there will be one voted upon until July 18 the day after the state unions voted on their supposed concession package.
There was a balanced budget that was presented by the Republicans that did not enact any new taxes and could not be brought up for a vote in either the House or Senate.  I wonder why?  Since it is apparent that the Connecticut Democrat Party runs the Legislature as a dictatorship taxpayers have to wonder why is our Legislature this dysfunctional to the point that an economically rational budget proposal could not allowed to be voted upon? Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz now has the audacity to wait until July 18 to vote on a budget since the state unions are supposedly voting on a concession package on July 17.  And my question to Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz is what happens if the state unions of which he is a member of do not agree to any concessions?  And the Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz's budget proposal includes higher taxes.
Connecticut Taxpayers recognize clearly that those management and union workers who are employed by the state rule our state government with an iron hand. These small minority of state employees in proportion to the roughly 3,591,000 people who still live in Connecticut have wreaked economic havoc through their spoils system of excessively high salaries, benefits and pensions.  And this issue of excessively high salaries, benefits and pensions for both state management and union workers has still not been addressed in this legislative session.Thus the 2017 Connecticut legislative session ended as it started with a high budget deficit and no reforms to the high salaries, benefits and pensions paid out for both state management and union workers.  More of the same stale rhetoric spewed by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
I have to hand it to the Democrat Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz in that in his position as a state union employee he places the self-interests of the union over the financial needs of the state.   Plus there is no conflict of interest for him either being a member of a state union along with being the Speaker of the House.  Are Connecticut Taxpayers really that stupid to believe that there is no conflict of interest in this arrangement?  Are Connecticut taxpayers that stupid to believe also the State Ethics Commission overlooks this arrangement and sees no conflict of interest?
Connecticut Taxpayers are overtaxed.  And with a new high tax budget to be voted upon in the near future with no reforms they got more of the same.  More spending, more taxes and more spoils system for state workers.
It just never ends here in Connecticut.  Connecticut should change its nickname from the "Constitution State"  to the "Debt Ridden Dictatorship State".  All thanks to the Connecticut Democrat Party who does not care in any way, shape or form of how far Connecticut has fallen economically over the past 26 years.

Connecticut's Spending Problem

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

Connecticut Does Not Have A Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It Is Time To Take Back Connecticut In 2018.

Connecticut's Taxpayers Are Serfs In A Serfdom

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

Connecticut's Economic Mess Continues

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

Happy Tax Freedom Day Connecticut Taxpayers Sunday May 21, 2017

Tax Freedom Day for Connecticut Taxpayers is May 21, 2017.  This is the day that Connecticut Taxpayers stop working to pay all of their local, state and federal tax burdens.  The date that we stop paying our taxes is dead last in the country as Connecticut Taxpayers have the highest tax burden in the country.  With the high taxes Connecticut Taxpayers pay now they will also be dealing with even more and higher taxes in 2017 as the state has a $5 billion dollar budget deficit along with an estimated $68 to $100 billion dollars of unfunded liabilities and short and long term bond obligations.  I am not able to obtain a "real" number for our unfunded liabilities and short and long term bonds obligations since it seems to be a secret in Hartford.  Therefore I estimate this number as best as I can. 
Economic reality is harsh for Connecticut Taxpayers since they are despised by the Connecticut Democrat Party for questioning the excesses of state employee salaries, pensions and benefits for both union and management workers.  These costs are out of control and part of our debt issues. The elitism political game that the Connecticut Democrat Party plays along with along with the total disregard for allowing the minority the Republican Party to be part of the legislative process has nurtured the economic demise of our state.
Thus in a state desperate for real economic solutions to its massive debt, lack of jobs and net migration of people out of Connecticut, the Connecticut Democrat Party turns to the norm new and higher taxes to solve this yearly crisis.
Look for a much longer Tax Freedom Day for Connecticut Taxpayers in 2018.
Look for much higher and new taxes in 2018.
Look for more people moving out of Connecticut in 2018.
Look for more Connecticut Democrat Party political appointments to high salary, pension and benefits jobs in 2018.
Look for more state credit downgrades in 2018.
Look for much more state borrowing in 2018.
Look for much higher property taxes in 2018.
And finally look for?  What I no longer know.  Connecticut has become a ruined state economically compliments of our state government led for too long by the Omnipotent  Connecticut Democrat Party.

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

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

Connecticut Taxpayers Have Faced Grim Reality For Years Now

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

New Budget. No New Or Higher Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

The State of Connecticut Pension Crisis

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

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.