January 10, 2013

Rep. Jay Case: Reduce Spending, Encourage Economic Growth

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TORRINGTON — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy told leaders of northwest Connecticut’s business community Thursday that government in Hartford is “leaving nothing off the table” in trying to fill the state’s $1 billion deficit.

State Rep. Jay Case, R-Winchester, who sat through the governor’s address, responded to Malloy’s comments by saying the state needs to encourage economic growth while simultaneously reduce its spending. Rep. Case, a freshman legislator elected in November, believes Connecticut’s spending has spiraled out of control.

“This state’s number one problem is spending,” said Rep. Case, a member of the Appropriations, Energy & Technology, Environment, and Human Services committees. “We have to take a close look into our budget and recognize we aren’t bringing in sufficient revenue that will maintain this type of spending. We need to buckle down and we need to learn to use some fiscal common sense.”

Rep. Case took the oath of office Wednesday, and as part of his new legislative duties, will soon begin working with fellow lawmakers on maintaining a workable state budget. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Case will play a significant role in developing the upcoming state budget and overseeing Connecticut’s spending for the next fiscal year.

As a small business owner, meeting with members of Northwest Connecticut’s Chamber of Commerce and hearing their concerns is one reason Rep. Case became involved in state politics. He thanked the Democratic governor and fellow legislators for working across the aisle in December to reduce $365 million in state spending, a task Rep. Case, a Republican, believes needs to continue through the upcoming legislative discussions.

“For this business community to see more regulations, more crippling economic frustrations and more of the same — something has to change. We can’t keep overregulating small businesses in this state, otherwise the economy won’t improve here,” Rep. Case said. “Businesses shouldn’t suffer at the expense of poor legislative decisions.”

Northwest Connecticut’s Chamber of Commerce hosts state representatives and senators once a month during its Legislative Committee meetings, with its next being Friday, Jan. 11. Rep. Case will join other legislators like state Rep. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, at the breakfast meeting.