Joe highlights plans to create jobs

posted Oct. 17 2006

Joe traveled the state today comparing his pro-growth economic agenda with Ned’s misguided, job-killing Plan for Change.

In a breakfast address at the Metro Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Joe highlighted his efforts to help Connecticut companies compete and win in the global economy:

We are poised to seize on the rapid expanding economy – all that we are missing is is a balanced national growth policy

That is why I introduced the National Competitiveness Investment Act, a plan to boost America’s lead in innovative technology and help create the jobs of the future. And that is why I will keep working to help equip Connecticut workers with the next generation skills they need to fill those next generation jobs.

Joe reiterated his support for an entrepreneurial trade policy, which views trade as an opportunity for economic growth. He noted that Connecticut companies exported almost $10 billion worth of products last year and that one out of every five jobs in the state was dependent on international trade.

Joe also said that Ned’s support for protectionism shows his lack of understanding of the new challenges of the new economy:

Lamont wants to close off Connecticut’s economy by erecting barriers and make it more difficult on small businesses to grow and expand by imposing mandates on them.

Later in the day, Joe joined most of the state’s Congressional delegation in New Haven at the Keep Connecticut Moving Summit, where he talked about his successful bipartisan efforts to secure transportation funding for Connecticut.

As a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Joe was able to help deliver $2.5 billion for the state – nearly a 20 percent increase for the state and $1.30 return on every tax dollar spent by Connecticut consumers.

Next to saving the sub base, the transportation bill was the greatest victory for Team Connecticut last year. We worked across party lines to get real results for the people of Connecticut.

Also, because of his seniority, Joe was able to secure an extra $50 million to mitigate congestion and address safety problems along I-95.

Joe later visited the Pez Candy Factory in Orange to talk about his ideas to help keep Connecticut and its workforce competitive today. There are approximately 170 workers at the Pez facility in Orange.

Should have some pictures up later tonight.

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Posted by: Eric Blankenbaker on 10/17/2006 at 4:27 PM