Issues

Connecticut has lost almost 100,000 jobs in two years and Hartford isn’t doing enough to bring them back. As Governor, I will focus on attracting new businesses to Connecticut with highly skilled, high paying jobs. I will immediately take action to make Connecticut more ‘Employer Friendly’. I will encourage lenders to extend more credit and capital to small businesses.

Hartford is spending your tax dollars at a reckless rate. We face a $3 billion deficit in 2012, or $2,265 for each Connecticut household. As Governor, I will order a comprehensive review of our state government to make sure it is providing the functions and services citizens need and expect, but not more. In my first year, I pledge to reduce the cost of state government by at least $1 billion to help balance the budget and make state government affordable again.

On average, each Connecticut household pays over $8,600 in state taxes. Our taxes are too high a burden on working families and must come down. As Governor, I will veto any attempt by the legislature to raise taxes. I will order a review of state tax policy to ensure the way we tax our citizens and our businesses is fair and equitable, doesn’t put us at a disadvantage versus other states, and supports strong economic growth and job creation.

Hartford has developed a tax and spend culture that isn’t listening to what our citizens want. As Governor, I will act immediately to increase transparency and eliminate deceptive practices. I will have Connecticut adopt Generally Accepting Accounting Principals (‘GAAP’) to reduce financial game playing by the legislature. I will fight to repeal mandates on businesses and towns that raise their costs.

Healthcare costs in Connecticut are some of the highest in the country. We must reduce those costs by reducing state mandates on coverage, promoting wellness programs, capping medical malpractice claims, moving to electronic record keeping, and permitting interstate sales of healthcare insurance.

Connecticut has some of the best schools in the country, but we also have the country’s largest achievement gap. We have an obligation to provide an excellent education to all of our young people. We can and must do better. Our economy and the future of our state depend on it.

Connecticut energy costs are too high. We must find ways to more efficiently consume energy and become less dependent on foreign oil. Connecticut has a triple opportunity to improve our air quality, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and create jobs by promoting development of alternative energy technology here at home. Connecticut has some of the most beautiful natural assets in the world. Our shoreline, lakes, rivers, and open spaces must be protected and preserved for future generations.

Keeping our citizens safe is the first duty of government. We must be sure our law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and communicate with neighboring states and Federal law enforcement agencies about potential terrorist threats to ensure Connecticut citizens are safe.

All Americans understand and respect the sacrifices our military personnel make for the country. I served in Iraq as a civilian alongside our brave men and women in uniform. More than ever, we must continue to support our veterans and their families during and after active duty by sustaining the medical and other benefits they have earned for their service.