Gov. Dan Malloy says the state must change its relationship with employers and that the relationship needs to be clear and plain-spoken.
“We need to change the relationship between the companies that employ so many of our fellow citizens and our state government,” Malloy said, addressing the Connecticut Business & Industry Association Economic Summit and Outlook 2011 in Hartford on Friday.
“If you have the highest electricity rates in the nation, don’t be surprised if you lose manufacturers.”
The new governor said that to instill consistency into Connecticut’s business environment, policymakers must to stop having yearly debates on all issues, focus on the immediate problems at hand, and set aside some items that don’t need to be dealt with for years, Malloy said.
Tough decisions will have to be made as the state works to erase its $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion budget deficit this year, and in his budget coming out Feb. 16, Malloy said. He said everyone will feel the sacrifice through a combination of cut services and increased taxes.
Malloy said the state needs to switch to better financial record-keeping, using the business industry standard Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.
In addition lowering energy costs, investing in transportation infrastructure and creating a more agile university system, Malloy said he supports the idea of having paid sick days for workers, as it is important all workers be able to take time off for health reasons without fear of losing their jobs.
Throughout the course of changing the relationship between government and business, Malloy said there would be agreements and disagreements, but it was important both sides remained committed to working together.
