Public forums slated for state strategic plan
Gov. M. Jodi Rell has scheduled four regional forums around the state to afford business people and members of the public an opportunity to ask questions and give input on Connecticut’s Economic Strategic Plan. The Economic Strategic Plan (ESP) is a detailed, statewide blueprint for retaining and growing jobs, making the state more business-friendly and investing in the infrastructure and technology needed to keep Connecticut competitive in the 21st century.
“I first proposed developing an economic strategic plan during a time of relative calm and economic success,” Rell said. “As the plan was being written, however, the financial climate in our state, our nation and around the world changed drastically. An economic downturn worse than any since the Great Depression has driven unemployment to all-time highs, forced many families from their homes and affected far more with deep insecurities about their jobs and their financial futures.
“As we drafted this plan we held forums around the state to get the insights and comments of business leaders, entrepreneurs and residents,” Rell said. “A draft of the plan has been available for review since September, and before the plan is finalized I want to hear once again from people, businesses and others concerned with the future of Connecticut. I have directed our Department of Economic and Community Development to hold a second round of public meetings on the recommendations in the plan, our priorities as we move forward and ideas for implementation.”
The ESP plan reviews factors that influence the state’s economic climate, from its transportation network, housing market and education system to its high tax burden, energy costs and health care system. It is intended to point the way for economic prosperity by articulating a vision for the state’s near- and long-term future. There are more than 60 specific strategies and initiatives for the future, grouped in three general areas: Talent and Technology, Cultivating Competitiveness and Responsible Growth.
The full text of the nearly 550-page plan is posted on the DECD Web site at ct.gov/ecd. The dates, times and locations for the meetings are:
• 6-8 p.m. ?December 8 at Norwalk Community College, East Campus, 188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk;
• 6-8 p.m. January 7 at Central Connecticut State University, Vance Academic Center 105, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain;
• 6-8 p.m. January 21 at the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce, 333 Kennedy Drive, Suite R101, Torrington;
• And 6-8 p.m. January 25 in the Community Room of Otis Library, 261 Main Street, Norwich.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
