Rep. Ackert Addresses Windham Chamber of Commerce

WINDHAM – State Representative Tim Ackert (R-Coventry) joined area legislators this month at the Windham Chamber of Commerce Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast to discuss recently passed legislation and how it will affect businesses in the greater Windham area.

Legislators were asked to sit on a panel and answer questions from local business owners and Chamber members. Rep. Ackert discussed how much money the state wastes by bonding projects and even operating expenses, creating high and unnecessary interest payments.
According to the state Office of Fiscal Analysis, the state spent over $567 million paying interest on general obligation bonds in FY2015, and we are projected to spend $626 million on interest this year as well. He noted that these figures are not inclusive of all bond interest paid.

“We always say that there isn’t enough money, but when there are areas that we could be saving millions that isn’t really the case,” Rep. Ackert said. “Huge savings could be realized if we bonded less, spent less and saved more. That’s the direction we need to move towards.”

He also explained that as the Ranking member of the Energy and Technology Committee, he worked tirelessly with fellow leaders of the committee to pass bills that promote new technology for businesses, specifically related to energy cost savings.

Rep. Ackert will be hosting a series of legislative updates in his district over the next few months. Visit his website at www.cthousegop.com for updates on when they will occur.

Rep. Ackert on the Chamber panel with Sen. Mae Flexer (D-29) and Rep. Sue Johnson (D-49).