The Democrats have unveiled their plan for jobs and the economy for the coming legislative session in Hartford. But they're facing some skepticism from across the aisle.
"We have succeeded in the past, and we're going to continue to move Connecticut forward."
Don Williams
Democrats in the House and Senate have included some old ideas and some new ones in this economic platform. They want to see fresh funding for current job creation efforts, and they've made the STEPUP initiative on workforce training the centerpiece of that push.
They're also pledging to cut red tape on businesses, with pre-approved zoning changes and permits in order to attract economic development. The plan proposes a new quasi-public agency to promote and coordinate development at deep water ports at New London, New Haven and Bridgeport. It also pledges to pass legislation finally allowing the registration of so-called B-Corps, or benefit corporations, a way to recognize the special mission of social entrepreneurship. Kate Emery who runs reSET, the Hartford-based Social Enterprise Trust, said it's an idea whose time has come. "It says Connecticut is open for this kind of business," she told a hearing of the Commerce Committee. "Connecticut is looking for businesses that are going to create jobs, that solve community problems."
Introducing the whole package of planned economic measures, Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams drew a comparison with the gridlock in Washington, saying he's confident he can count on the support of Republicans. "Democrats work with Republicans," he told a news conference. "We have bipartisan legislation that affects in a positive way our economy, and helps retain and create jobs. We have succeeded in the past, and we're going to continue to move Connecticut forward."
For his part, House Minority Leader, Republican Larry Cafero says many of the Democratic proposals on things like brownfield development are things his party has championed in recent years. But he still has reservations. "It's one thing to talk about it, it's another thing to do it," he said. "All the time, we start the session talking about building business, creating jobs, stimulating the economy. And within hours of us gaveling into session, the same caucuses that claim this will go out, and do what I consider job-killing legislation." Cafero named paid sick leave and the recent hike in the minimum wage.
Watch CT-N's footage of the Connecticut Democrats' press conference about their plans for the coming legislative session:
