As you watch Gov. Rell's 2010 State of the State address, please join in the live blog and offer your comments.
UPDATE: Post has been updated and now includes video footage of Rell's address. Although the live blog is over, feel free to express your thoughts regarding the governor's remarks.
UPDATE 2: Responses to Gov. Rell's final State of the State address are coming in. Read what people are saying about the governor's speech below the fold.
"I'm very pleased to see that in these tough economic times Connecticut's small businesses will have greater access to loans. The state's number one priority right now has to be creating jobs, and our small businesses are our best chance to do precisely that.
"At the national level, the large banks that were bailed out on the taxpayers' dime have simply not lived up to their end of the bargain by lending those funds back to struggling businesses. As such, it's only right that Connecticut should step up and help businesses that, through no fault of their own, have been severely undercut and critically need a lifeline. As Mayor of Stamford my administration implemented a similar pooling of small businesses in order to spur growth, and the resulting job growth over time was substantial.
"That being said, given that the Governor's administration is clearly aware of the current credit dilemma facing the state, it's somewhat ironic that she would choose to borrow an additional $1.3 billion to help close our deficit. While it's true that all states should use borrowing wisely over time, borrowing money to pay for operating expenses is bad fiscal policy, plain and simple.
"Gov. Rell said that state government 'Must not spend what it does not have,' but the truth is that we also shouldn't borrow to pay for what we already can't afford. That kind of fiscal management is unsustainable, and it's a large part of the reason that we're in this current mess.
"Finally, as Gov. Rell has now completed her final State of the State address and will begin to wind down her term in the coming months, I'd like to thank her for her public service to the State of Connecticut. While the Governor and I have not often seen eye to eye on how best to plan for Connecticut's future, I've never questioned that she had the state's best interests at heart. I wish her well in all her future endeavors."
Catherine Osten, President of CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 (member of the State Employees BArgining Agent Coalition):
We need a bold vision and real programs to put the people of Connecticut back to work. We tried to provide ideas in our 18-point plan which we presented to the governor's representatives last week. The governor should be working with the legislature and key stakeholders around the state to make our government into an engine for economic recovery that will put people back to work.
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-new Haven):
Growing jobs and balancing the budget are the top priorities for Democrats this legislative session and we're glad to hear the same is true for Gov. Rell.
Just days ago Democrats proposed the creation of a revolving loan fund for small businesses and we're encouraged that the governor made a similar proposal in her address. While there may be a difference of opinion over how to pay for it, we're hopeful a compromise can be reached and small businesses will get the assistance they need.
The governor's call for more civility at the Capitol is something everyone can embrace. Last year at this time there was widespread disagreement over the size of the deficit - Gov. Rell underestimated it by more than $2.5 billion. This year we begin with consensus on the size of the deficit and a renewed commitment to working together to help solve it.
Governor Rell's new budget puts forth many worthwhile proposals. But if past performance is any indication, they are not likely to lead to much worthwhile action. Commission reports and studies usually gather dust on Hartford shelves. We don't need more plans, we need plans of action.
We should also remember that facing us at the end of this budget cycle is a potential $6 billion shortfall in the next cycle. Bandaid cuts and enhancements are not going to do the job. That is why I have proposed we introduce barrier-free tolls at our borders, which could generate $1 billion per year. This worthwhile idea is contained in a million-dollar report that the governor herself exiled to a dusty shelf earlier this year.
Among the governor's proposals are measures that would begin to relieve our cities and towns of the pressure of unfunded mandates. It is vital that these provisions be approved. And I welcome her continued support of public campaign financing-which is the only way we're going to erase the influence of moneyed special interests.
The governor's new budget shows that she has the right priorities: jobs, education and transportation. But we are in a tunnel of unprecedented length and it will take bold new leadership-that is, action-for us to reach the light at the end.
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