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February 2008 — Vol. 86, No. 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Keeping focused on Connecticut economy

By John R. Rathgeber

CBIA President and CEO


The looming possibility of a national recession means there will be a great deal of concern about the state’s economy during this year’s legislative session, which begins Feb. 6. Legislators have good reasons to be concerned, and not just because of the national slowdown.

In recent years, a strong state economy has made Connecticut a great place to live, raise a family and work. Connecticut businesses have been national leaders in providing good wages, comprehensive health care benefits and safe workplaces. They have invested their profits in new products and technologies to be competitive and create good jobs in our state.

But the national slowdown poses a very real threat to Connecticut businesses, which have been struggling with rising costs and ever-increasing competition from around the world.

State government must make our economy its top priority.

Legislators’ primary responsibility during a short-session year (this year’s three-month session ends May 7) is to make any needed adjustments in the current state budget. For the health of our economy, they must do that in a way that respects the constitutional spending cap and avoids increasing taxes. They also need to help control rising health care costs so that more businesses and individuals can afford health care coverage.

A short session doesn’t give legislators much time to consider major new initiatives. But one thing they can do that will send a very positive economic message to state businesses is to begin adopting the high school reforms proposed by the State Board of Education. As our cover story explains, those reforms are essential to create a competitive workforce and give our children the education they’ll need to be successful — not just in the workplace but in their everyday lives.

You can help get that message across to legislators. Find out more about these issues at cbia.com/gov.