Never Ceases to Amaze

State Senator Ed Meyer never ceases to amaze with his claims about his own legislative record and the achievements of the Governor Dannel Malloy administration. In a Nov. 17 column titled "The Hint of an Economic Renaissance," Meyer goes on about how reducing the business entity tax (from $250 to $125) and simplifying some permitting procedures are proof that the Malloy administration is creating a business friendly environment in Connecticut. This claim is laughable.

The Malloy administration increased taxes by $1.5 billion. This is the largest tax increase in state history. Meyer supported legislation mandating paid sick leave for all businesses employing more than 50 people. This legislation was passed by the Democrat-controlled House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Malloy. Connecticut is the only state in the union to place such a burden on its businesses. How is this promoting an "economic renaissance"?

Senator Meyer is correct about the appalling performance of the Connecticut economy over the past 20 years. For that entire period of time both houses of our legislature have been controlled by the Democrats. As a consequence, our state has one of the most business-hostile environments in the United States. There is no indication that the Democrats intend to make any serious attempt to curtail spending in the future. Indeed, with the recent approval of a $300 million subsidy to Jackson Laboratories to build a research facility in Farmington, we may expect more Solyndra-style boondoggles in the future.

Until we rid ourselves of people like Senator Meyer who believe that the road to prosperity involves massive public grants to politically favored private enterprise, there is no credible prospect for sustained economic growth in Connecticut. I'm tired of waiting.

Ray Ingraham
Branford

Ray Ingraham chairs the Republican Town Committee.