Two weeks after Gov. Dannel Malloy vetoed a bill that supporters said would create jobs in and around Oxford-Waterbury Airport, the governor announced Monday he is working on a new plan to boost economic development there.
The old bill, called “An Act Promoting Economic Development in the Area Surrounding Oxford Airport,” had tax breaks that Malloy said were “premature.” The bill would have created an Oxford Airport Development Zone in order to foster new business development, add jobs and generate new state and municipal tax revenues.
That plan would have achieved those goals through tax exemptions and credits meant to stimulate development.
The governor said Monday he is joining House Speaker Chris Donovan and Senate President Don Williams to tackle the issue.
The governor said this team’s staff will work together with the co-chairs of the legislative committees to develop “an appropriate set of economic tools,” to boost job creation around the airport.
A staff member said this means it could be anything to spur economic development including grants and low interest loans, for businesses looking to put down roots or expand around the airport.
The governor and legislative leaders will ensure that Oxford Airport is a thriving economy, but they don’t necessarily believe everything needs a legislative solution, the staff member, Juliet Manalan, said.
Sen. Rob Kane, R‑Watertown, issued a statement in response to the announcement Monday.
“So, let me get this straight: When this bill was a Republican idea that passed nearly unanimously in the legislature, it was bad, and now that it is the governor’s idea, it’s good? Well, it’s good to see the governor has finally come around,” Kane said in his statement.
“It has become clear that Governor Malloy is flying by the seat of his pants when it comes to economic development policy,” Kane said.
Kane said he is asking the governor, “what are you waiting for.” The governor’s lack of vision has caused a pro-jobs bill to crash and burn, he said.
