Senate Leadership
April 9, 2007
Senators Seek Business Advocate’s Help On State’s Lagging Economic Development Efforts
Simmons should seek permanent, stable leadership at Connecticut Innovations, Department of Economic and Community Development, Culture and Tourism
State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), Sen. Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford) and Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today called on the new state Business Advocate to push the Rell administration to make leadership appointments in key state agencies dealing with economic development and jobs. Former Congressman Rob Simmons was approved by the legislature's Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee as the new Business Advocate for the state.
Specifically, Sen. Williams called for Simmons to look into the circumstances surrounding the departure of two leaders of Connecticut Innovations within six months. "Connecticut Innovations is critical to the state's efforts to remain on the cutting edge of high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. Something is wrong when we lose two presidents of this group in six months."
"When we created the position of the Business Advocate in our landmark 'Jobs for the 21st Century' legislation, we had in mind a watchdog who would ensure the state is doing all it can for economic development and job growth," Sen. Williams said. "Clearly that is not happening--our efforts are lagging. There has been no appointment of a commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development and no commissioner of Culture and Tourism, also a significant component of economic development."
"Legislative leaders have been working for some weeks with the executive branch on a long-term strategy for innovation and economic growth in the State of Connecticut, but the whole process is moving too slowly. Now is the time for Governor Rell to pick up the pace," said Sen. LeBeau, who is co-chairman of the Commerce Committee. "Not only should Rob Simmons help get key people into these key places, we as a whole- executive and legislative combined--need to be moving forward with a greater sense of urgency. It's time to stop playing a game of checkmate. This issue is too important. Literally, out state's future depends on it," he said.
"We need to safeguard our economy, and the Business Advocate position was created for that very purpose," said Sen. Duff. "The turnover that we've seen at Connecticut Innovations and the lack of leadership at a number of our agencies is a real cause for concern. Our agencies need real leaders. I hope that Rob Simmons will recognize this and take the necessary steps to be the watchdog that we're looking for."
Sen. Williams noted that the governor's actions have not her matched her rhetoric:
"First and foremost, we must address the issue of jobs and economic development... Join me in transforming Connecticut into a national model for job creation and economic growth." Governor Rell's State of the State address, 2/8/06
- What's happened since: According to the Connecticut Economic Digest (Feb. 2007), employment for 2006 increased by less than 1% (.6%, non-farm employment) across the state. In some areas, the economy contracted. The Norwich and New London area lost 900 jobs and the Waterbury area lost 700 jobs.
"We need to make the right investments in job training and skill development." Governor Rell's State of the State address, 2/8/06
- What's happened since: The legislature passed the Jobs For The 21th Century Act, providing numerous incentives and programs and for job growth and retention. The Act also provided resources for increased training and education. It was signed by Governor Rell in 2006, but in 2007 the Governor reversed the commitment for training, for economic growth scholarships, and terminated a commitment for increased engineering graduates. The Governor eliminated the following:
- $250,000 for Engineering Connecticut forgivable loan program
- $250,000 for You Belong graduate reimbursement grants
- $125,000 for Generation Next
- $125,000 for Future Scholars
"Let there be no doubt, our core mission this session is a straightforward and critical one: to stimulate economic growth, retain good jobs, create new and even better jobs. Our mission begins anew today and my budget serves as a blueprint for that mission. We know what needs to be done--now we must show the will and the leadership to get it done." Governor Rell's State of the State address, 2/8/06
- What's happened since: In 2006 the legislature created the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Connecticut. In 2007 the Governor proposed to eliminate this important job-growth resource. The Governor has also cut $4 million in funding for job training and employment in urban areas.
Last week John Markowicz, executive director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, told a summit on Eastern Connecticut's future that large employers in the region such as Electric Boat and the submarine base will need between 300 and 400 degreed engineers "and they can't find them in Connecticut." Markowicz said employers, business leaders and legislators need to be concerned by the lack of state graduates with the right degrees to fill technical jobs. "We don't even have a pipeline in place to create them," he said.
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Senator Williams’ Larry Cook |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Larry Cook |
