Basic instinct

To modify an overused phrase: It”™s the economy, jobs and taxes, stupid.

And in regard to a new poll, stupid is aimed at state government.

The issues represent the three horsemen of the current economic apocalypse. They are the biggest issues facing those living in this fine state of Connecticut. And we”™re trying not to be flip when using the word “fine,” for there are a lot of other states that are not so fine to live in as foreclosures turn some municipalities into near ghost towns.

The concerns about our state”™s economy were raised by residents in a Zogby International Survey commissioned by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association.

The results are right on target and by no means surprising.

“Adults in Connecticut cite economic and financial concerns as the top issues they are facing ”“ this mirrors other Zogby polling nationwide that shows these are the main concerns of Americans across the country,” said John Zogby, president and CEO of Zogby International.

A majority of those polled, 43 percent, say taxes paid by Connecticut businesses are too high. And 55 percent said raising taxes as a means of offsetting the budget deficits is not acceptable.

What is acceptable among those polled is for the state government to cut taxes and spending, 27 percent; and create jobs, 26 percent. Also deemed acceptable by 41 percent is delaying raises for state employees as a means to reduce the state budget deficit. Another 34 percent strongly supported restructuring state employee health care benefits as another means to cut into the deficit.

A resounding 66 percent agreed with the statement, “The state government should save money by concentrating on its core functions, such as education and public safety.”

Joseph F. Brennan, CBIA senior vice president of public policy, said: “The recession is hitting Connecticut families hard and forcing them to make tough decisions about how and where they spend their money. The state should be looking just as carefully and closely at its own spending choices. Legislators need to foster a thriving economy and strong business climate ”“ one that creates prosperity and jobs for Connecticut’s residents. That can happen only with the adoption of sound fiscal policies and reductions in spending, costs and the size of government.”

Listen up denizens of the Capitol in Hartford. It is time to get back to basics ”“ and those basics are cutting taxes, cutting inoperable, bloated state departments and creating jobs. How many shovel-ready jobs are there in the county, let alone the state? Billion of dollars in federal money will soon be doled out to projects nationwide that are shovel-ready, meaning they have passed all logistical, municipal and state agency hurdles.

To help the projects move along and not be passed over by the federal government, 73 percent of those polled said Connecticut should streamline regulatory processes to help accelerate construction of these types of projects.

In light of the brain drain that has affected the state for the past several years, 72 percent of those surveyed “strongly support” raising academic standards in public schools so all students are better prepared for the modern work force.

It”™s interesting to note ”“ for better or worse ”“ when things get tough, the environment, energy and transportation issues are tosses on the back burner.

When asked about the most important issues facing the state, only 4 percent said transportation, 2 percent said energy issues and barely registering was the environment at 1 percent.

When it came to the most important issues facing families, energy cost/gas prices garnered a mere 5 percent, cost of college/education a paltry 2 percent and retirement just 1 percent.

“In all areas, from employment to education, policymakers must have a clear vision for change and the commitment to create a better future for Connecticut”™s businesses and its residents,” said John Rathgeber, CBIA president and CEO.

So will the lawmakers pay attention? If history is a guide, no.

Current action in Hartford already bodes unwell for business.

A look at a recent agenda of the Labor and Public Employees Committee is a bit troublesome, as witnessed by these so-called concepts: