Issue Position: Seniors

Issue Position

In times like these, it seems like everything is moving a mile a minute. But as Connecticut advances into the 21st century, we cannot lose sight of our senior citizens to whom we owe so much. As governor, I will put state government to work and bring our seniors lower bills, better health care, easier transportation, stronger communities, and secure state finances they can count on.

Lower Utility and Property Tax Bills

I will lower electric bills by negotiating long-term purchasing contracts with power generators. Generators like a sure thing as much as you or I, and with long-term contracts, they could offer significant discounts. Vermont's electricity is 20% cheaper than ours, and a major reason is long-term contracts. If we could close just half of the gap, we'd save the average household over $160/year.

I will vigorously support weatherization programs that lower utility bills still further. By sealing windows, replacing insulation, and the like, we can save the average household over $300/year.

I will relieve pressure on the property tax by making reimbursement of our towns' tax-exempt property a top priority. While we may not have the funds to do this right now, as the economy improves I will increase our commitment to cities and towns, reducing pressure on the property tax.

Better, More Affordable Health Care

I will spread consistent health information technology statewide. Patients with multiple conditions can't be expected to remember every medication and diagnosis from a half dozen doctors. Different systems should be able to talk with one another so that critical medical records are available when needed.

I will give seniors more choice to age at home, rather than in a nursing home. While I will strongly support nursing homes, I know too few seniors have a real choice between staying in their homes and moving to an institution. Connecticut sends more of its elders to nursing homes than every state but two. We need to offer more options, and now: the over-65 population will increase by 40% over the next 15 years.

Easier Transportation and Stronger Communities

I will provide more convenient transportation options for seniors. I will institute a "smart card" that riders can use statewide for bus and rail, reestablish frequent rail service from New Haven to Springfield, and invest in mobility options like Dial-A-Ride.

I will provide incentives for towns to create more affordable housing near public transit. Now is not the time to cut successful initiatives like HOME Connecticut; instead, we should restore livable, walkable, bikeable downtowns.

Secure State Finances You Can Count On

I will put Connecticut's fiscal house in order and make sure the state fulfills its obligations to seniors. We've been on an unsustainable path, running massive deficits and ringing up billions on credit-now the bill has come due.

I will start by making the tough cuts necessary: for one thing, I will crack down on wasteful tax credits. We have over $5 billion in exemptions-even incremental cuts would mean big savings. On the corporate income tax, we spend $300 million per year, over 100 times what we did 20 years ago, yet we haven't created a single net new job in those 20 years. It's time we showed some fiscal discipline.

I will also use my 25 years' experience as a high-tech entrepreneur to bring government into the 21st century. Not only can we save millions by switching to internet phones and Google applications, we can change how government works. Too often, one hand doesn't know what the other is doing-cutting-edge technology will allow us to share information, reducing waste and providing better services at the same time.

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