Forced to defend Failed Governor Dan Malloy’s record of pushing job-killing tax hikes in Connecticut, perennial candidate Ned Lamont is desperately trying to mislead voters. At a speech on Friday, in front of his big labor backers at Connecticut’s AFL-CIO, Lamont falsely claimed that the departure of General Electric in 2016 was not due to Malloy’s failed policies, asserting they “didn’t leave [Connecticut] because taxes were too high.”
But Lamont’s claim doesn’t match reality. In 2015, GE blasted Malloy’s proposed $1.2 billion business tax hikes, calling them “truly discouraging” while stating it would have to “seriously consider whether it makes any sense to continue” to remain in Connecticut. Six months later, GE announced it would leave the state and relocate to Boston, taking jobs from Connecticut. Since then, other companies like Alexion Pharmaceuticals have also fled the state for friendlier business climates.
In his eagerness to defend Malloy’s failed record as governor, Lamont has shown that he will go to great lengths to try and mislead Connecticut voters. With his record of enabling Malloy and distorting the truth to push his agenda, Lamont has made it clear that he cannot be trusted to lead.
Hartford Courant: GE, Aetna, Travelers Criticize State Tax Increases
In an unprecedented move that stunned leaders, three of Connecticut's largest corporations — General Electric, Aetna and Travelers — criticized the legislature and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Monday for considering about $700 million in increased taxes on businesses over the next two years.
GE was the first to issue a statement, saying early Monday that the proposed tax increases are "truly discouraging'' and that the company would "seriously consider whether it makes any sense to continue'' to remain in Connecticut.
"It is essential that Governor Malloy and legislative leaders find a more prudent and responsible path forward for Connecticut and its residents in their current budget negotiations,'' the company said.
The statement by General Electric was highly unusual because the company rarely comments publicly on tax and spending proposals in the legislature.
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