Senate Leadership
May 1, 2006
Governor Rell Signs Senator Williams' 'Senate Bill #1'
"Connecticut Jobs for the 21st Century" was Senate Democrats' top priority
State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) today applauded Governor Jodi Rell's signing of "Senate Bill #1," the centerpiece of Sen. Williams' 2006 legislative agenda. The economic development package is designed to keep Connecticut competitive and spur economic development in the state.
"Back in September we started work on what would become the state's new economic development strategy," Sen. Williams said. "We held a series of forums with leaders from the business, education and economic development sectors. What we learned was that if Connecticut was to remain competitive in today's global economy, the days of government sitting back and doing nothing are over."
Added Sen. Williams, "This bill will make state government a partner with business in economic development efforts. There is an important and vital place for Connecticut in the new economy, if we understand how the world has changed. We will continue to thrive only if we unleash our creativity, our intellect, and our imagination. The jobs of the 21st century will depend on how well we educate and innovate."
Sen. Williams said the reforms fall into three categories:
- Changing our business climate:
- Establishing an Office of Business Advocate to coordinate economic development efforts
- Supporting research and development, venture capital and entrepreneur incubators
- Linking institutions of high education to emerging technologies
- Strengthening competitiveness: "In the past, Connecticut has been a leader in variety of economic sectors--manufacturing, banking, insurance and many others. Today, our competition does not necessarily come from Massachusetts or New York, or even from Arizona or Iowa. It comes from every corner of the world," Sen. Williams said.
- Making Connecticut a better place to live and work: "Connecticut has so many magnificent characteristics. We need to add 'great place to work' to the list," Sen. Williams said.
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Senator Williams’ Larry Cook |
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Senator Looney’s Larry Cook |
