Debicella Announces Jobs Plan for Connecticut

Press Release

Businessman and candidate for Congress Dan Debicella announced his jobs plan today, a clear contrast between the current Himes-Malloy economic plan.

"Jim Himes and I have a very different view on what success looks like," said Dan Debicella. "He thinks our economy is doing well--I think we cannot accept this as the new normal."

According to his website, Jim Himes said: "Since 2008, we have seen slow but steady progress." In reality:

Connecticut now ranks 50th out of 50 in job creation
"Connecticut's Economic Trends Worst in Nation" -- June 2013 Hartford Courant
CNBC: CT 46th Worst State for Businesses

"Connecticut has one of the worst environments in the country when it comes to creating jobs and Jim Himes is trying to sell us on this "new normal'," continued Debicella. "That is why I am laying out a concrete plan to turn things around in our state, create more jobs and expand the middle-class."

The Debicella Jobs Plan consists of three ideas that Republicans and Democrats can come together on: tax simplification, training for the long term unemployed, and immigration reform.

Tax Simplification. Washington politicians can't agree on whether to raise or lower taxes, but surely no one would write the tax code we have today. They favor special interest groups rather than lowering rates for families and small businesses. I believe both parties can get together to pass a new tax code that eliminates all the special interest loopholes and lowers rates.

Long Term Unemployed. Businesses do not have money to pay for training for the long term unemployed, which often is on-the-job and can take 3-6 months before employees are productive. Government can help both parties--by giving tax breaks equal to the cost of salaries during the retraining process. The small business gains access to a large talent pool, and the long term unemployed get the skills needed for the job.

Immigration Reform. First and second generation immigrants are the number one group of entrepreneurs in this country. Republicans and Democrats need to embrace immigration reform that welcomes those who want to live the American Dream, regardless of their current "legal" status. I support the bipartisan Senate immigration bill, which would allow people who came here illegally to stay in this country if they have a job, broke no laws, and paid all their taxes.

"Our families deserve better than what is coming out of Washington," concluded Debicella. "We deserve better than partisan talking points, and politicians more interested in re-election than reaching across the aisle to forge solutions. The ideas are not new -- tax simplification, training for the long term unemployed, and immigration reform -- but the leadership to enact them is what is lacking in Washington."

"If voters are happy with the economy, they should vote for Dan Malloy and Jim Himes. But if they think that we can and should do better, then I believe my plans offer a better path to prosperity."

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