Connecticut State Capitol
Opioid addiction knows no bounds, rich or poor, cities or suburbs, age and race are not a factor the impact is devastating, debilitating and too often death. The increase in deaths has been called an epidemic by some and a tragedy by nearly all.
Times change, it wasn’t all that long ago that marijuana was considered a drug problem in nearly every community. Today we see the “weed” as a legalized recreational option in some communities. Times have changed and our approach to the opioid addiction issue is changing.
There is no second chance when death is the alternative, our approach to opioids by the nature of the problem must be effective. There is no fool-proof answer but there are some different ideas.
Coventry Connecticut like many communities has provided their police with Narcan an opiate antidote to save lives. It is not a preventative it only addresses the problem after an overdose has occurred. The real goal over a long term in any community should be to prevent the addiction and eliminate the heartaches, broken dreams, and social costs.
In Eastham Massachusetts the local police are helping to pioneer and fund the local Project Purple, a group of students who share objectives of self-empowerment, making good choices and living without putting substances in their bodies. Members of the Purple Project take a pledge against substance abuse and ultimately attract others to seek their lifestyle.
The statistics and social scientists tell us addiction most often starts in teen years, and that is the time to emphasize prevention. Knowing an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is not a new concept, it remains solid advice in nearly all matters of health. Eastham understands the value of prevention but the program is not a guarantee.
One Connecticut legislator wants to address the issue on a state-wide basis. It may sound like a wise idea, the only problem is his thinking on how to accomplish the goal. State Senator Joseph Crisco is a Democrat from Woodbridge his problem is his thinking is in line with his party’s approach to a problem. His idea is to introduce another new tax.
Mr. Crisco wants to impose a new fee on the manufacture, distribution, prescription, and dispensation of opioids. Yes, you got it. He wants to tax those that legally obtain the drugs to treat serious medical problems and somehow wants you to believe that will stop those addicted to opioids. It would make a more rational conversation if it were said, don’t let any opportunity to tax go by,
Connecticut Democrats have already created a tax environment that is limiting economic growth and driving firms out of State. Senator Crisco is now targeting several pharmaceutical companies in Connecticut that manufacture opioids in a tax bullseye. Taxing those most in need of treatment, and compassion is not the sensible solution to opioid addiction and attacking another industry with new taxes is senseless.
It all started with an image, some promises, and dreams of better days. All it took was a wisp of creative imagination, some smoke and mirrors, a few false promises and a willing populous, ready to float like clouds through dreamland with the winds of hope and change upon their back.
The brightest future for our towns, cities, states and indeed our nation is found within the Republican Party. While the Republican Party is diverse in thoughts and opinions there is a common thread of values founded in the strength of the individual and the responsibilities we each hold as citizens and neighbors.
When it comes to the Connecticut State Budget it does not matter which party the Governor is a member of if, the majority in the General Assembly can override any budget veto. What really matters is the financial views and the political courage of the elected members of the General Assembly.
Beleaguered Connecticut Taxpayers Saddled with More Debt To Subsidize The Rich and Business
Governor Dan Malloy
Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced new state spending that will add an additional $2.7 million in debt on to the backs of Connecticut’s middleclass taxpayers. After crushing families with the two highest tax increases in Connecticut history ol’ Danny boy has found another way to spend the taxpayer’s hard earned dollars to subsidize big business and luxury automobile buyers.
While the average Connecticut family struggles to stretch their family budget and pay an ever-increasing burden of taxes. Dan Malloy finds it necessary to give away up to $5,000 to buyers of fuel cell power vehicles, which is not something found on the average family shopping list. No this is tax money used to subsidize the wants of rich.
In a statement issued by the Governor he said this will “support local retailers by helping lower the price of electric vehicles, making them more competitive”. Really Governor, is that the best use for taxpayer dollars? Does the average family need to support local car dealers to insure they make a profit selling cars?
While the legislature is facing a 1.3-BILLION-dollar deficit in the next budget season apparently, Governor Malloy feels it is necessary to give away taxpayer’s hard earned money to those that can afford NEW CARS!!! Remember this is your money, paid to the state in good faith that it will be spent wisely.
So, what does the Democratic Majority leadership in the State Legislature have to say about this squandering of tax dollars? Nothing! Their silence is deafening. They are only talking about new tolls on highways, new sources of revenue and cuts to cities and towns that will require the local government to raise taxes to fund local requirements for State mandates.
This is not the first-time Dan Malloy has fleeced the taxpayers in this fashion. The Governor was somewhat bragging over his success when he said, “Since the start of the program in May 2015, more than $2 million has been issued in rebates or reserved for the purchase or lease of 960 electric vehicles in Connecticut”.
This subsidy has been one of the shovels digging Connecticut taxpayers into an ever-deeper hole of debt and this round of subsidies is more of the same. When will we learn to stop digging? When will we learn that when you cannot afford what you already have it is time to stop new spending? This is not an investment for our future this is insanity in the present, this is irresponsible and objectionable. This is detrimental to every taxpayer and family in Connecticut. Simple put this is unacceptable.
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Tagged as Automobiles, budget, Connecticut, CT, deficit, Democrat, economy, general assembly, government, governor, Malloy, politics, taxes