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Dear Editor,

While many will spend Labor Day taking in the last few gasps of summer, it is important to remember that this Holiday is a celebration of the American worker.

Unfortunately the Connecticut Worker has had a rough time in recent years. While many states are experiencing job growth, Connecticut has only recovered 83% of the jobs lost during the recession and we are one of only two states in the region that has not reached 100% job recovery. During this time Connecticut’s unemployment has also consistently been much higher than our neighboring states. People are working more hours, for less money, and finding it harder to live here and support a family.

You might ask the question: how did Connecticut fall so far behind? Much of this comes from the policy decisions that the Democrat Majority at the State Capitol has made during recent years. Connecticut simply cannot seem to get it’s financial house in order and we also rank near the bottom in many important statistics including overall economic health, cost of living, and cost of doing business. With high tax rates, and the State Government continuing to look at businesses as a “piggy bank” it is no wonder jobs are fleeing our state.

If Connecticut is serious about changing direction, and making life better for the workers we are celebrating this weekend, we need to change our policies in Hartford. That may only start with changing who we elect to make these decisions in November.

Mark Merritt
West Hartford, CT

Mark Merritt is a West Hartford Resident, and a Republican Candidate for the 5^th State Senate District