New Economic Report: Connecticut Job Outlook Worsening

August 15, 2006

DeStefano: Rell offers false optimism, but no new ideas or leadership to stop Connecticut's job loss

New Haven - Saying that "Governor Rell offers false optimism, but no new ideas or leadership to stop Connecticut's worsening jobs loss," John DeStefano, Democratic candidate for Governor, today responded to the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis's (CCEA) new Economic Outlook concerning the uncertain future of Connecticut's job growth.

The report predicts that Connecticut's anemic job growth shows no signs of improving and in fact will get worse over the new few years. According to the Outlook, economic growth, wages and job growth will all decline between now and 2008. Connecticut's job growth rate, already about half the national average, will drop again in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Fred Carstensen, director of the CCEA, stressed that "State leaders must strengthen investments" in developing industries and educational programs to create jobs.

"Today's economic report provides continuing proof that Connecticut lags the rest of the nation creating jobs. Governor Rell may not accept that, but it is a fact. I believe Connecticut can do better. We need a 21st century jobs plan that invests in new technologies and manufacturing, reduces business health care and energy costs, and improves our transportation and education systems," said DeStefano.

"Too many of our children are leaving Connecticut to find jobs elsewhere. With strong leadership, creative ideas, and a smart hard-working labor force, there is no reason why Connecticut should not be a top 10 job growth state so our children can find jobs here," said DeStefano.