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A Business Plan for Connecticut
Introduction
Connecticut needs to get back on offense. We are the Gateway to New England, one of the world’s largest markets, and we boast one of the world’s most productive workforces, but governor after governor has failed to lead, failed to translate our strengths into real growth. For the last 20 years we’ve been dead last in job creation,1 we're dead last in business creation,2 and our families are paying the price.
Connecticut needs a bold leader with a plan to create jobs and make government work for our families—and the courage to make that vision a reality.
In 2006, I stood up against the political establishment to oppose a war that drained resources needed to create jobs here at home. As an entrepreneur, I stood up against the big cable companies and won by setting a clear vision, listening to customers, and adapting to changing conditions. As Governor, I will stand up again, to all those who say the state’s best days are behind us, and get Connecticut growing again.
I will start by getting government working again. I will reach out to businesses across the state and empower a network of ambassadors to do the same. Recently Alexion, our fastest growing biotech company, born and bred in Connecticut, decided to open its first production facility in Rhode Island. Alexion could have expanded here, but Rhode Island beat us to the punch. And who knows when another Marlin Firearms will leave? I will ensure businesses like Alexion and Marlin stay. I will also make government move faster, and focus our investments where Connecticut already has the wind to its back, in areas like precision manufacturing, finance, and life sciences.
As well, I will ensure we have a strong foundation for success. Connecticut has high energy costs, exorbitant health care costs, and a transportation infrastructure straight out of the 1950s; last year we even raised fees on small business and skilled trades. Unsurprisingly, a UTC executive recently remarked, “Anyplace outside of Connecticut is low cost.”3 High costs are holding back our businesses from growing. As Governor, I will fight these costs and bring our infrastructure into the 21st century, creating thousands of construction and green jobs in the process.
Connecticut’s never been a cheap state, but our businesses have prospered because we boast one of the most educated, most productive workforces in the nation. Yet even that great strength is at risk: many of our best workers are retiring, and we have the largest achievement gap between rich and poor students in America.4 I will reform education from cradle to career to ensure our workforce remains the envy of the world, and our kids enjoy the same opportunities we did.
Read the complete plan by clicking the links below:
Introduction
1. Change Government's Business Model
2. Get Government Back on Offense
Build the Foundation for Success
1. Modernize Our Transportation Infrastructure