Coutu Opposes Additional Government Spending

State Representative Christopher Coutu (R- Norwich) opposed legislation Wednesday that will spend more than a billion dollars with the goal of improving the state’s business climate- a goal Coutu says shouldn’t cost so much money.

Coutu has spent his career as a state representative speaking to local business owners and business leaders. He says the two things he hears the most are that the state should stop spending so much money, and stop interfering with taxes and regulations. These requests, Coutu says, should not cost so much money.

“There are some good things in this bill,” said Coutu. “But the government needs to understand that it doesn’t create jobs- people do. Instead of spending all this money to help business, we should reduce regulations, cut taxes and cut government spending. That would go a lot further in encouraging businesses to grow and relocate to Connecticut.”

Coutu said he is concerned about the price tag of the jobs package which will approach $1.1 billion after the interest payments are factored in. Earlier this year, Governor Malloy signed a two year state budget that will raise taxes on working families and small businesses by close to $4 billion.

“We can’t continue this cycle of increased taxes and spending,” said Coutu. “First the government taxes the businesses to death, and then pats itself on the back for spending some of that money on other business. Wouldn’t it be better to just let them keep their money and use it as they see fit? Government doesn’t know more about business than business owners and entrepreneurs. Its time we get out of their way.”

Coutu Discusses Jackson Laboratory Bill on House Floor

Coutu Starts Petition to Support Those with Special Needs

During the 2011 legislative session a bill was proposed that would forcibly unionize daycare providers and home health care workers in Connecticut. The bill faced fierce opposition from legislators, licensed health care providers and health care clients and, as a result, never made it to the House or Senate for a full vote from the legislature.

That didn’t stop Governor Dannel P. Malloy from issuing an executive order that could force these workers to pay union dues, a move that will drive up costs for these services while possibly hurting the services.

State Representative Christopher Coutu, a former personal care assistant (PCA), has stood by those in need of home care in fighting this move for years.

“This is outrageous,” Coutu said. “Forcing these people to unionize is not in the best the of the disabled or sick that require home care, it is in the best interest of the unions. Home care providers don’t want to unionize, they don’t want to pay union dues- so why are we doing this?”

The health care providers will pay the normal AFSCME Council 4 rate of $21.80 a month to the unions meaning more money in the union coffers and higher rates for clients. These programs rely on limited funding and this executive order will result in layoffs. “I call for my fellow legislators to stand up against this anti-job legislation that hurts our most innocent citizens.”

“I worked as a PCA with special needs clients for 3 years, I have spoken to people that receive personal home care, in fact, many clients testified against this proposal this session. Yet, Malloy is ignoring what these people actually want and unilaterally forcing this on them. It isn’t right.”

To Sign Representative Coutu’s petition to challenge the Governor’s executive orders please click here.

Coutu: Malloy Executive Order Not in Best Interest of Those in Need

During the 2011 legislative session a bill was proposed that would forcibly unionize daycare providers and home health care workers in Connecticut. The bill faced fierce opposition from legislators, licensed health care providers and health care clients and, as a result, never made it to the House or Senate for a full vote from the legislature.

That didn’t stop Governor Dannel P. Malloy from issuing an executive order to force these workers to pay union dues, a move that will drive up costs for these services while possibly hurting the services.