DeStefano promises health care for all residents

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DeStefano promises health care for all residents

The Norwich Bulletin May 31, 2006

Dorothy Schneider

NORWICH - New Haven Mayor John DeStefano said he's got plans to ease the growing financial burden facing families across Connecticut.

"So many of them are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet," DeStefano said Tuesday night during an interview on the "Hidden Treasures in Community Resources" show on Adelphia Public Access Channel 14.

DeStefano is challenging Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy to a gubernatorial primary Aug. 8. Malloy was chosen as the Democratic nominee earlier this month to face Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell in November.

If elected, DeStefano has plans to create universal health care for the state by closing tax loopholes and working with insurance companies to develop an affordable plan for all.

"It's the right thing and it's something we can definitely do," the mayor said.

DeStefano also has an aggressive plan to halt the rise of energy prices.

He wants to institute a windfall tax that would tax utility companies at a rate of 50 percent for any profits -- or windfalls -- they earn above 20 percent.

The tax revenue would then go toward reducing consumer prices, investing in conservation techniques and developing cutting edge energy technology across the state.

Host Richard Caron said developing incentives for developers to use solar power panels or other conservation techniques could save consumers a lot in energy costs, especially with the housing boom taking place in Eastern Connecticut.

DeStefano claimed Rell has not developed concrete plans to fight energy or health care costs, develop new technologies or grow jobs.

He said it's critical to create higher wage jobs in Eastern Connecticut where many currently rely on lower-wage casino employment.

"People are working harder and harder and just getting deeper and deeper," he said. "It's like they're treading water."