Spring 2011

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 2300
Hartford, CT 06106-1591

e-mail me here

On the Web
www.SenatorMaynard.cga.ct.gov

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-0591
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420

Energy Tax Proposal Bad for Ratepayers, Businesses and Southeastern Connecticut

Southeastern Connecticut’s Dominion Millstone power plant is responsible for more than 4,200 jobs—including 1,080 employees and 350 contractors—and provides $1.2 billion in annual economic benefits to the state. It is Connecticut’s largest source of clean energy and is a responsible community partner in our region.

A bill currently before the legislature, however, would target Millstone and potentially cost vitally important jobs. The proposed utility tax included in Senate Bill 1176 would subject certain electric generators to a tax on the power they generate in the state. It’s my belief that this bill would result in greater costs to consumers and, at very worst, would lead to the shut down of the Dominion Millstone power plant.

Loss of the Millstone plant would be an economic sucker punch to southeastern Connecticut’s economy. This targeted initiative would undermine and destabilize an entire region of our state and, in terms of the bigger picture and the message it sends, would put our state on the wrong path with regard to economic development. I stand in very firm opposition to this tax.

New Authority Key to Efficiency,
Growth at State Airports

To become successful in the future, we must change how we do business in the state of Connecticut. Our airports—from the flagship Bradley International in Windsor Locks to our own Groton-New London Airport—hold untapped potential to build our economic base and encourage growth and development.

The Transportation Committee recently gave its unanimous, bipartisan support to legislation that will establish the Connecticut Airport Authority—a quasi-public agency that will work to develop, improve and operate Bradley and the five regional airports, removing authority over airport control from the state Department of Transportation.

This new authority would have the powers necessary to operate our airports in a way that will enhance marketing and economic development and allow the airports to be more nimble in conducting business. It’s also my hope that this renewed focus on our regional airports will bring significant growth opportunities and entice more carriers to settle at airports like Groton-New London.

With bipartisan support in the legislature as well as support from the governor, the Department of Transportation and leaders in the business community, I’m hopeful that we will successfully create this important new authority this year.

Verify Licenses Before Using
a Debt Settlement Company

Debt solution schemes that prey on vulnerable individuals and families are increasing in Connecticut. These scams offer a quick fix to desperate people who have fallen on tough times, using a variety of tactics to coerce those in distress to trust that their foreclosure or debt worries will disappear if they just pay a fee. The Connecticut Department of Banking offers good advice to consumers considering contacting a “credit repair company.” In 2009, the General Assembly took aim at these scammers and passed legislation requiring all private and nonprofit debt negotiation companies to register with the state Department of Banking, pay a license fee and post a surety bond.

If you’re in financial trouble and considering a debt negotiation service, be a smart consumer and visit the Department of Banking online first to verify that your company is properly licensed and in good standing.

If you believe that you or someone you know has been the victim of a debt negotiation scam, contact the state Attorney General’s Office to file a complaint.
 
 

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