To the Editor: Carpino Votes to Secure Middle Class Jobs

To the Editor:

I cast my vote Wednesday for the future of Connecticut.

Dating back to the Revolutionary War, our state has the rich history of being central to the military supply chain. The legislative package I supported continues this tradition by guaranteeing aerospace employment opportunities within Connecticut until 2032. This is good news for both Connecticut as a whole and our district. Cromwell and Portland are home to both Sikorsky suppliers and employees. These are well paying jobs for hardworking middle-class people. We have skilled workers in our district and state that will contribute to our national defense.

It is startling that it will cost Sikorsky an extra $400 million to produce helicopters in Connecticut than other states. Time and time again businesses express concerns that in Connecticut the deck is stacked heavily against them. There is no question that businesses will continue to leave our state until Connecticut becomes more competitive and drives down the price of doing business.

I respect the goals of this deal, which are to bring jobs to our state and expand the aerospace market. I’ve worked on legislation to strengthen manufacturing in Connecticut and see this as another opportunity to provide stability for an important part of our economy. While I cast a yes vote to strengthen our future as a state, the need for this incentive package should be a wakeup call to the majority party. The business climate must change in order for Connecticut families to have quality jobs close to home.

Sincerely,

Christie Carpino
State Representative, 32nd District