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CCM Pushing 5 Key Initiatives For Special Session Wednesday On Jobs

Seeking State-Local Alliances To Cut Red Tape And Kick-Start Economy

By CHRISTOPHER KEATING

October 24, 2011

HARTFORD — In advance of the important special session on Wednesday, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is proposing five specific intiatives in the hopes of kick-starting the state's sluggish economy.

The unemployment rate has improved slightly to 8.9 percent, and the state has not created any net new jobs since the creation of the state income tax 20 years ago.

“Economic development and job creation in Connecticut occurs within towns and cities,” said Jim Finley, CCM's CEO and chief lobbyist at the state Capitol. "In order for state efforts to improve our economy to be successful, such efforts must be aligned and coordinated with local and regional efforts.''

Finley added, "Municipalities are anxious to be strong partners in reviving the Connecticut economy but are often frustrated by state agency bureaucracies and unreasonable delays in getting permit and other approvals. Following are needed state legislation and administrative actions that can strengthen the State-Local Partnership for economic development and job creation.''

CCM is calling for the following, as outlined in their statement:

• Creating economic development teams with state and local officials, including various state agencies, regional and local leaders.

• Allowing cities and towns to use licensed professional engineers to certify that local jobs are being done to state standards.

• Cutting red tape by establishing speeded-up regulatory review and approval processes within multiple state departments.

• Ensuring the rapid disbursement of state funds by slashing paperwork that currently slows down the process.

• Assigning a “municipal ombudsman” in all agencies who would be assigned and available to deal with local leaders