Four state legislators sent a letter today hoping fellow lawmakers will overturn Gov. Dannel Malloy’s veto of a bill designed to promote economic development in the area around the Oxford-Waterbury Airport.
Here is the letter, which was sent to Christopher Donovan, the speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives and Donald Williams, the Senate president pro tempore:
Dear Speaker Donovan and Senator Williams:
Last month, we stood together as Democrats and Republicans to show our support for a business-friendly bill.
House Bill 6529, An Act Promoting Economic Development in the Area Surrounding Oxford Airport, passed unanimously in the State Senate and passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 137 to 1. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by the governor on July 8.
The General Assembly will soon hold its veto override session. At that time, legislators will have the opportunity to decide which, if any, of the governor’s vetoes they will attempt to override. As you know, a two-thirds vote of both the Senate and the House of Representatives is required to override a gubernatorial veto.
If House Bill 6529 becomes law, this bill will:
- Boost economic activity in the towns we represent.
- Provide local businesses an opportunity to expand their payrolls and create jobs.
- Offset costs and burdens for local taxpayers.
Oxford, Middlebury and Southbury need jobs now. Ours is one of the fastest growing residential regions in the state, but we need more commercial activity. Providing incentives for the development of the area surrounding Oxford Airport will provide the economic activity our towns so desperately need.
Speaker Donovan and Senator Williams, we have been presented with a golden opportunity: an opportunity to show that Connecticut is open for business.
We can seize that opportunity by overriding this veto. We can show that the Connecticut legislature understands the need for jobs and job creation.
Sincerely,
State Senator Rob Kane
State Representative David Labriola
State Representative Anthony D’Amelio
State Representative Arthur O’Neill