President-elect Barack Obama hosted the nation's governors in Philadelphia on Tuesday and Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell was amongst those who attended. The group chatted about how the federal government can help the states make it through the ongoing economic crisis and what sort of relief might be feasible. As for the terms proposed: The governors want $136 billion for infrastructure and $40 billion for health care.
It remains to be seen if those numbers will be met, but right now, Connecticut will certainly take all the money it can get. The state Office of Policy and Management is projecting a $338 million deficit for the end of this year - not to mention the $6 billion deficit projected for two years from now.
But make no mistake: there will be competition for any federal funds. And for all of its woes, Connecticut may not stand at the front of the breadline.
So how can the government put itself in a good position to benefit from the Obama administration? By establishing a "sustainable" economy in the strictest sense of the word.
The state government should strongly encourage the creation of "green collar" jobs, helping companies that are interested in developing clean energy and technology survive and thrive on Connecticut soil. Not only is it a valuable move as a statement on climate change, but considering the direction the country is likely to move with respect to the environment and energy efficiency, it may be even more valuable as a new source of statewide income.
Jim Amann, speaker of the state House of Representatives, is committed to turning Connecticut into one of the country's premier locations for green industry. Speaking with the News on Wednesday, he said that the need for action is even more urgent now that jobs are being lost in the state's large financial sector.
Full Story: http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/26860
