Technology advances at warp speeds. Connecticut”™s laws, unfortunately, do not. But it looks like we may be making some headway, which could lead to other avenues of economic growth and development for the state.
Take, for example, the Telecommunications Modernization Act, which is making its way through the state Legislature. This initiative offers the best way to support an industry that can fuel job growth and spur investments in infrastructure ”“ two things our state desperately needs.
Connecticut has experienced zero percent job growth over the past two decades ”“ the worst growth rate of any state. That alone should be a good enough reason for our elected officials to lay the groundwork for regulations that support the industry”™s ability to retain and create good paying jobs.
The telecommunications legislation, introduced by the Senate Energy and Technology Committee, attempts to rid our state”™s regulatory system of the redundant and inconsistent policies that discourage the private sector from doing business here. For example, the act would eliminate duplication in paper filings before the Department of Public Utility Control. There is no reason for time and manpower to be wasted on this old-fashioned policy. By streamlining procedures and eliminating over-burdensome requirements, Connecticut will be joining the ranks of other states that want to seriously compete for jobs and business investments.
Obviously, investment is something we desperately need. Aging infrastructure is a problem nationwide but it is particularly critical at home. Shouldn”™t we be doing everything we can to encourage investments in our communications infrastructure instead of saddling the private sector with antiquated regulations? Connecticut is the only state that requires a state audit, even though state information can be extracted from the federally required national audit. It is time to end this laborious and costly exercise so businesses can focus their resources on the issues that matter to us, like making mobile and Internet service faster and more reliable.
The Telecom Modernization Act removes onerous burdens on companies that could otherwise make wise investments and hire employees. Most importantly, the measure takes a thoughtful approach to what has worked in the past and is still needed, but removes the red tape that is no longer applicable and will only slow down the economic growth and expansion of those companies who are doing business in the state. With a little luck, the evolution of these regulations will also attract new businesses to our state that are confronted by antiquated measures in other parts of the nation.
As President Obama announced in February, the federal government is taking a similar approach to updating thousands of rules and regulations that limit job creation and prevent us from having a more competitive economy.
Connecticut legislators should move forward with the same mission. By recognizing that industries look considerably different than they did decades ago, our elected officials can help Connecticut keep pace in today”™s market.
As the nation, New England and Connecticut fight to dig out of one of the worst economic recessions of all time, this new path can help make the climb a bit easier. More importantly, it will help show those businesses that are deliberating whether or not to add to their payrolls, that Connecticut is going to help them prosper. It might be a little late in the game, but better late than never.
Paul Moran is executive director of Jobs for Connecticut Now and Jobs for New England Now, a coalition of business leaders, pro-business groups and nonprofits from across New England working in support of more business-friendly policies in the region.
