U.S. Rep Joe Courtney D-2nd District speaks at Eastern CT State University
Local businesses discussed in a recent breakfast held at Eastern CT State University, where U.S. Rep Joe Courtney D-2nd District was the speaker.
He stated that Congress doesn’t fous enough on local communities when creating the much talked about federal economic stimulus packages. Courtney noted that he was ot crazy about the way money was spent.
In a community with few manufacturers, the universities are the two of the biggest businesses, making it extremely important for the community to invest in education. “Kudos to the Chamber for making this connection”, Courtney said. “I think we still have a lot of work to do to connect education to the workforce needs.”
Roger Adams, Executive Director of the Chamber, said Courtney is attuned to the needs of the local businesses and the way they are affected by the federal budget crisis.
“The number of small businesses and events he has been to indicate he is truly concerned,” Adams said.
Like many businesses, agencies and universities in the state, the University of Connecticut and Eastern recently suffered budget cuts as well.
As a member of the House education and labor committee, Courtney was involved with the passing of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, as well as the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Both measures were designed to help combat rising tuition costs at universities.
Courtney remains optimistic about the financial crisis, but said Congress will have more of a handle on the situation after a February 25th meeting, when it will discuss the stimilus package.
Congressman are prepared to help hospitals with waiver requests and the Republican and Democrat parties plan to appeal an anti-trust exemption for health insurers.
“We’ll all see whether or not this can happen,” Courtney said.
Courtney said he is starting to see some positive developments within local communities in terms of infrastructure.
For example, many towns, such as Madison and East Lyme, are in the process of building new bridges.
“I feel these investments are completely justified,” Courtney said.
This story origianally appeeared in The Chronicle, submitted by Michelle Firestone
Pictured above, left to right:
Roger Adams, Executive Director, The Chamber of Commerce, Inc, Windham Region
U.S. Rep Joe Courtney
Diane Nadeau, Marketing & Membership Director, The Chamber of Commerce, Inc, Windham Region
Pictues by: David Rogers, of David Rogers Photography