[ctguy87]

The 'negative nellies' as we are called are concerned about the future of the state of Connecticut. We all like, or liked living here at one point. I have lived here all my life. I could have gone away to college, but chose UConn. I could have looked for jobs in NYC or Boston like many of my classmates, but I chose Hartford. CT is a beautiful state with access to anything you want within a day's drive. We do the seasons better than almost any other place in the country. Summers aren't too hot, winters aren't too cold, relatively speaking at least. We are socially progressive and a very educated state.

The future is not so bright for the state between the growing burden of pensions, related tax increases, and businesses threatening to leave. After the largest tax increase in state history, it was a kick in the shin to see Malloy elected again, and to renege again on his promises. It is one thing if the budget was a balance between cuts and tax increases; but it was only tax increases. We've hit this point endlessly the last few weeks.

What was everyone's car tax bill? I get to pay the lovely town of Manchester $524 for a 4 year old Chevy.

[FunkOdyssey]

Originally Posted by ctguy87

What was everyone's car tax bill? I get to pay the lovely town of Manchester $524 for a 4 year old Chevy.

Town of Manchester gets $280 for my 9 year old Miata.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by snowtired14

Good luck living in CT on $40K-$50K.

In Fairfield County, yes it can be difficult. In the rest of the state, not too much of a problem. Jay

[AntonioR]

People don't complain about CT's economy as is, but rather at the performance the economy has been experiencing for some time. This worry is legitimate because if it becomes a long term issue, then the CT of the future is not going to be as great as it could be. People see the potential are wonder why the politicians don't make the decisions that leads to the realization of that potential.

[snowtired14]

Originally Posted by JayCT

In Fairfield County, yes it can be difficult. In the rest of the state, not too much of a problem. Jay

I think there are a lot of people who would argue otherwise. For myself, no mortgage and no significant debt, not a problem, not an extravagant lifestyle but doable. But, throw in college loans, a family, kids, food, car payments, mortgage/rent, high utility rates, high property taxes, and suddenly $40K- $50K isn't enough in most of the state. That's why some people are buying in places like eastern CT where housing costs less and commuting long distances.

[markfromct]

Originally Posted by ctguy87

The 'negative nellies' as we are called are concerned about the future of the state of Connecticut. We all like, or liked living here at one point. I have lived here all my life. I could have gone away to college, but chose UConn. I could have looked for jobs in NYC or Boston like many of my classmates, but I chose Hartford. CT is a beautiful state with access to anything you want within a day's drive. We do the seasons better than almost any other place in the country. Summers aren't too hot, winters aren't too cold, relatively speaking at least. We are socially progressive and a very educated state.

The future is not so bright for the state between the growing burden of pensions, related tax increases, and businesses threatening to leave. After the largest tax increase in state history, it was a kick in the shin to see Malloy elected again, and to renege again on his promises. It is one thing if the budget was a balance between cuts and tax increases; but it was only tax increases. We've hit this point endlessly the last few weeks.

What was everyone's car tax bill? I get to pay the lovely town of Manchester $524 for a 4 year old Chevy.

Yes, Our Mil rate is one of the highest in the area. Close to $400.00 for a 7 year old CRV.

Oh, and the get me for $6,200/yr for a modest raised ranch. Most of the people I know who are retiring and moving out of state say the property taxes are the main reason.

[TheJackal]

Originally Posted by snowtired14

Good luck living in CT on $40K-$50K.

I've got a brother living on a $10/hr casino job. He has a condo and a decent car. It's not unheard of.

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by ctguy87

The future is not so bright for the state between the growing burden of pensions, related tax increases, and businesses threatening to leave. After the largest tax increase in state history, it was a kick in the shin to see Malloy elected again, and to renege again on his promises. It is one thing if the budget was a balance between cuts and tax increases; but it was only tax increases. We've hit this point endlessly the last few weeks.

Amen. Ct has been on national news shows, as Malloy's actions supporting multiple multi-billion $ tax hikes, has put thousands of jobs at risk.

Governors should be judged not by the condition of their state, but by whether it got better or worse during their tenure, and for Dan Malloy, the latter is true. GE had no relo team when he was sworn in; AETNA, Travelers, Stanley Black&Decker were not questioning the viability of continuing operations in Ct. Now all those things are happening. None are positive events. From the standpoint of the economy, his tenure has been horrible for Ct.

The scary thing is he has been surprised at their reactions, when, truth be told, they should be faulted only for not reacting harshly at earlier tax hikes.

To add insult to injury, his requested mods to these massive tax hikes offset under 20% of these hikes.
He just doesn't get it, even as business and political analysts do get it.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

Amen. Ct has been on national news shows, as Malloy's actions supporting multiple multi-billion $ tax hikes, has put thousands of jobs at risk.

Governors should be judged not by the condition of their state, but by whether it got better or worse during their tenure, and for Dan Malloy, the latter is true. GE had no relo team when he was sworn in; AETNA, Travelers, Stanley Black&Decker were not questioning the viability of continuing operations in Ct. Now all those things are happening. None are positive events. From the standpoint of the economy, his tenure has been horrible for Ct.

The scary thing is he has been surprised at their reactions, when, truth be told, they should be faulted only for not reacting harshly at earlier tax hikes.

To add insult to injury, his requested mods to these massive tax hikes offset under 20% of these hikes.
He just doesn't get it, even as business and political analysts do get it.

Actually GE began evaluating their Fairfield campus 2 years ago. Land use consultants were interviewed for an assignment to determine other uses for the campus if GE decided to leave their 40 year old headquarters building. Not sure what happened after that interview but this has been coming for a while now. Immelt is not being truly honest about this. Jay

[ctguy87]

Originally Posted by TheJackal

I've got a brother living on a $10/hr casino job. He has a condo and a decent car. It's not unheard of.

Is he a dealer that makes tips?

I'm sorry, but even at full time, 40 hours/week, $10 an hour equates to about $21,000 a year before taxes. That is not a livable wage to own a condo and a car unless some other kind of income is coming in. Right after college I was living in a 1 bedroom apartment at $900/month with a car payment, making twice that and my expenses = my income with zero room to spare...and I am very frugal with my money.