To the editor,
The 2018 legislative session started with the governor’s address to the General Assembly, which failed to address the single most important issue in Connecticut — the failing economy.
I am sure residents read the daily headlines and listen to news outlets on television that all paint a bleak picture of Connecticut. It doesn’t have to be this way; the state can tackle budget deficits by taking bold action this session.
Last year, the legislature started taking steps to stop out of control state spending and borrowing by implementing strong spending and bonding caps. But, as I mentioned, when the budget was passed, it didn’t go far enough.
The state needs to roll back anti-business policies that are hampering business from growing. Here are a few things that can be done immediately to help business owners: eliminate the Business Entity Tax, provide better job training opportunities, roll back unnecessary surcharges and fees placed on businesses small and large, prevent a new restaurant tax, and block proposals to implement tolls throughout the state.
Right now, if the governor’s budget were to become law, it would raise taxes on small businesses to raise $47 million. This is clearly not the message the state should be sending to business owners that are thinking about whether to pack their bags or expand in Connecticut. The governor and the majority party need to stop their anti-business rhetoric and realize that to spur economic growth the state needs small and large businesses to be confident in Connecticut.
Connecticut needs to be open for business, the state has gone too long with the “for sale” sign on the door.
Lezlye Zupkus
Prospect
The writer is a Republican state representative for the 89th District, which covers Prospect, Bethany and Cheshire.
