Jobs For Connecticut Now

From the Valley Breeze in Rhode Island:

Steps are necessary to improve RI economy

What Happened to our Economy? – Rhode Island’s economy used to be healthy, employment was high, manufacturing and other businesses were successful, there were opportunities for our young people to go to college or pursue careers of their choice.

What Happened? – State and federal representatives made decisions based on special interest, union pressure, cronyisms, nepotism, ineffective ethical laws, their own greed or their inability to do the right thing.

What Can State Government Do? – Our state has many problems, however, I believe unemployment at 12.8 percent is the most serious. I suggest the following: 1. Encourage businesses to come to Rhode Island by providing attractive tax laws. 2. Provide a high caliber work force on all levels from workers doing the work, to managers capable of making successful business decisions. 3. Utilize E-Verify to insure only legal citizens are employed in Rhode Island.

What Can Our Federal Government Do? – 1. There is a substantial inequity of goods the United States exports vs. goods imported. It seems everything we buy is made in China or some other foreign country. This inequity must be corrected. 2. Employment in the United States has been devastated by businesses outsourcing to foreign countries. Manufacturing jobs, which greatly contribute to our economy, have been replaced by “service jobs” which have little benefit to our economy. This situation must also be corrected.

What Can You Do? – Contact your legislators and let them know how you feel. If they are not receptive, let them know that you will not vote for them in November 2010.

Joseph W. Coughlin

North Providence

Letter to the Editor in today’s Hartford Courant:

State Isn’t Business-Friendly

Is it any wonder that Connecticut has experienced zero job growth over the past 20 years? Why would a business look to invest in Connecticut when our political leaders are bent on dictating the hiring practices of private companies [Page 1, Oct. 5, "Heading Down A Slippery Slope? DPUC's Unprecedented Move Questioned"]?

When will policy-makers realize that this inconsistent, politically motivated approach is not working? Instead of working to find innovative solutions, politicians like the attorney general are more focused on criticizing business. This lack of foresight, lack of leadership and an atmosphere of business-bashing have all contributed to Connecticut’s dismal record of attracting and growing jobs.

Our leaders should stop the political grandstanding and start working on a real economic plan that moves Connecticut forward and promotes innovation and investment.

Paul Moran, executive director, Jobs For New England Now, Hartford