Malloy, Lawmakers Want Bipartisan Jobs Bill

By Susan Haigh

Associated Press

HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Democratic and Republican legislative leaders said Monday they are committed to crafting a bipartisan jobs bill for next month’s special session, hoping to show the business community they are united in improving the state’s jobs climate.

While no details were provided, the Democratic governor said he expects the package of initiatives will touch on creating a better-educated and prepared workforce, reducing overregulation, expanding access to capital — particularly for smaller firms and start-ups — and making sure Connecticut is competitive when it comes to what’s needed to help businesses grow and locate here.

The governor stressed, however, that he doesn’t expect Connecticut’s unemployment rate, which has been stuck at around 9.1 percent for months, to suddenly drop once the General Assembly passes the legislation. He said the unemployment numbers have more to do with national and international issues, such as the debt crisis in Europe.

“Even in those difficult situations we can begin the work of moving Connecticut forward economically,” he told reporters, following a closed-door meeting with legislative leaders and his economic development commissioner. “... you’re not going to see instantaneous results. This is about changing the climate and we’re going to do that.”

Both Democratic and Republican legislative staff met last week with Malloy’s office to discuss possible ideas for the jobs bill. House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, Jr, R-Norwalk, said he’s confident that bipartisan approach will continue. In contrast, the GOP did not play a role in passing this year’s state budget. Malloy only reached a deal with the majority Democrats.

“We presented all of our ideas,” Cafero said of last week’s meeting. “There was a lot of overlap, a lot of common ground and our hope is that this will be one package, one package that sends a message to the business community of this state and the world that we are together on this issue about creating jobs and making Connecticut more business-friendly.”

Republicans released a seven-page list of ideas for creating jobs and developing business in Connecticut. Some of their ideas included the following:

*Create a small, bipartisan committee that would provide tax exemptions and credits to companies looking to relocate to the state.

*Expand several existing job creation tax credits.

*Convert Interstate 95 rest areas to fuel cell power to create a “hydrogen highway.”

*Create taxing zones around more airports, beyond Bradley International Airport, to encourage development.

*Continue accelerating improvements to the state’s transportation infrastructure.

*Expedite the permit approval process.

*Eliminate the film industry tax credit program for future projects, freeing up money for other tax credit programs.

Malloy acknowledged that money may be needed to fund some of the initiatives in the final jobs package. But given the state’s financial constraints, he said funds would likely be taken from an existing account. In addition, he said he expects some initiatives could be bonded.