Newly inaugurated Governor Ned Lamont gave the legislature his four-point plan to grow Connecticut’s economy Wednesday at his first State of the State address.
Lamont told lawmakers his blueprint would make Connecticut the economic powerhouse it used to be. He says it includes improving government services by creating an all-digital state government.
“The entry point to a digital Connecticut will be through an e-front door to everything our citizens need. We will be online not in the line.”
Lamont says he’s also proposing to invest in Connecticut’s cities to attract millennials, “making them affordable and lively where families want to live work and play. That means great schools, safe streets and making our cities the first 5G in New England.”
That’s 5G wireless service.
Lamont is also seeking more state investment in STEM curricula for schools and improving the state’s road and rail network to make it easy to reach most parts of the state in 30 minutes.
He promised lawmakers he would have an open door policy and would take the responsibility of trying to get them to reach an agreement on his agenda.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle welcomed Lamont’s approach. But Republicans cautioned his initiatives would cost money and that the state faces future budget deficits.
Lamont said the budget he presents in February will be balanced.
“We will deliver on what we say – on time and on budget. No more funny math or budgetary gamesmanship. I come from the world of small business where the numbers have to add up at the end of the month or the lights go out.”
