L-R: State Representatives T.R. Rowe, Tony Hwang and Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst on Opening Day of the 2011 Legislative Session.
State Representatives T. R. Rowe (R-123) and Tony Hwang (R-134) were once again sworn into office on January 5th, the Opening Day of the 2011 session of the Connecticut General Assembly.
Both Representatives noted that new Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the newly-sworn legislature have a number of significant challenges ahead of them with a budget deficit approaching $3.7 billion, and unemployment in Connecticut steadily hovering around 9%. These challenges could have a significant impact on state and local government.
“All the big issues we’re looking at this session center on the economy,” said Rep. Rowe. “We have a massive budget deficit and have been unable in prior years to get the majority in the legislature to make significant spending cuts. The failure to trim government while everyone in the private sector tightens their belts is irresponsible, and can’t continue. I am hopeful that Governor Malloy will recognize this, and that some new faces in the legislature will help make the needed changes to the failed policies of prior years.”
“We are looking to find some solutions this session, and those clearly begin with taking a long hard look at everything government pays for,” said Rep. Hwang. “We in state government are going to need to find the courage to make the structural changes to government which will force it to live within its means. I am optimistic about the tone that Governor Malloy set in his remarks to the legislature, and his requirement that the state adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) was an excellent place to start.”
Both legislators indicated that the legislature must also resist the temptation to pass the burden on to local governments like Trumbull which are already spread thin.
This session of the Connecticut General Assembly lasts until midnight, Wednesday June 8th.
