Governor Malloy Talks About Fiscal Austerity to the Chamber of Commerce

In a short speech at the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner Thursday, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy discussed fiscal austerity, mostly in general terms and said next to nothing about his controversial proposals for tax increases.

Malloy also said that transportation problems like clogged traffic arteries on Interstate 95 are a prime factor limiting the economic growth of southern Fairfield County, and "it's not well-understood in Hartford."

He noted that 43 percent of the state's tax revenue comes from this county. "If there's any economic engine in the state, it lies between Bridgeport and the Greenwich border."

Government can play a role in expanding the economy, Malloy said, but it's a "junior partner" to businesses in creating jobs. While government "sets the stage for job growth," he told the business group, "You're going to create the jobs that turn this state around."

Malloy said he's looking for ideas from business people to improve state economic and fiscal policies.

Of his budget proposals, Malloy said, "The part that's probably the most difficult is on the labor side." If his proposals to cut some labor benefits are blocked, "then we're going to have to do some other things."

One area of spending that Malloy doesn't want to cut is the Education Cost Sharing grant program, a state grants program for education that is particularly important to large, urban school districts. He told the crowd of 375 at the banquet hall that he's been fighting to keep that money in the budget.

Mayor Richard A. Moccia stood up during a short question-and-answer session after the speech to thank Malloy for his efforts to keep the program funded.

Interviewed after the dinner, Moccia said: "You may disagree with some of his budget plan, but at least it's out there, and he has a plan. I think that's important. And I do appreciate the ECS funding. Now the tough part is with the Legislature."

Asked what surprised him most about the job after he became governor, Malloy initially said he found no surprises, adding, "It's just hard work." A few minutes later, however, he added, "People in Hartford don't expect you to say what you mean, and don't expect you to do what you say."