Hovey Hails Passage of Job Creation Package

Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112) today praised the passage of a significant package of reforms aimed at spurring Connecticut’s lagging employment figures, which have held steady for two years at roughly 9%, and the sluggish state economy.  The bi-partisan measures were adopted today by overwhelming votes of both the state House and Senate during a special session of the General Assembly.

Since the adjournment of the regular session in June, Hovey has met with and visited numerous businesses in the Monroe and Newtown area to get a clear picture of how Connecticut’s business environment was impacting the day-to-day operations of local companies.

“All of these business owners say the same thing,” said Representative Hovey.  “Connecticut has an excessive regulatory environment and it is putting our state at a significant disadvantage when trying to retain businesses and attract new ones which in turn produce more jobs.  What we passed today takes a significant step in the right direction.”

Hovey Joins Republicans in Offering Jobs Proposal for Special Legislative Session

Representatives DebraLee Hovey (R-112) today joined with Republican lawmakers as they released their plans to grow jobs through targeted tax incentives, regulatory reforms and workforce development initiatives.

This month’s report from the State Department of Labor offered a sobering statistic that Connecticut has lost 8,600 jobs in August alone.  The state’s unemployment rate has held at 9.1% for eighteen months now, and this latest report shows an unemployment rate of 9%.  The state’s economy has added only 4,400 jobs, less than one quarter of a percentage point, over the preceding twelve months. 

Republican legislative leaders emerged from discussions with Governor Dannel P. Malloy, with both parties expressing bi-partisan support for a number of job-creating initiatives for the Special Session which is scheduled for October 26^th.

Like many other Republican lawmakers, Rep. Hovey spent the summer months in her district talking to business owners to develop the proposals. 

Hovey to Participate in 9/11 Tribute

On 10th the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks state Rep. DebraLee Hovey will participate in the largest tribute in Connecticut, a 60-mile charity motorcycle ride that traverses scenic highways and byways through Monroe, Newtown and many other Fairfield County Communities.

The 10th Annual CT United Ride is organized by the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut, and over the years its proceeds have gone to victim relief funds, police and firefighter funds and a United Way fund.

The annual event has enjoyed strong support from officials throughout the state and Fairfield County, including municipal leaders. Firefighters in 11 communities will adorn their towns with American flags in preparation for the beloved event.

Monroe and Newtown will hold remembrance ceremonies the same day, and Hovey hopes her constituents will take a few minutes to stand alongside Route 25 as hundreds of motorcycles—many festooned with flags—cruise through the towns.

“It’s been a decade since those horrific attacks but for many people the pain inflicted that day remains—and it always will,” Hovey said. “No matter how or where they choose to do it, I hope everyone will take a moment to think about what happened that day, the innocent victims and the people who lost their lives in brave service.”

Organizers of the motorcycle ride expect to have more than 2,000 motorcycles in their fundraising convoy by the time the event ends in Bridgeport.

Newtown will hold its remembrance ceremony from 8:15 a.m., and Monroe has scheduled its ceremony to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Hovey Tours Curtis Packaging Corporation

Today State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R- Monroe) visited Curtis Packaging Corporation, located in Sandy Hook, to take a tour of the company’s operation and meet with President and C.E.O. Donald Droppo Jr. 

Curtis Packaging was established in 1845 when it manufactured products, such as suit buttons and combs, out of cattle hooves. Over time it has evolved and adapted and is now a leading provider of luxury packaging for some of the most recognizable consumer products. They provide packaging for Titleist, Jack Daniels, Godiva and high-end fragrances by Beyonce and Origins – just to name a few.

“This is such an impressive company,” raved Hovey. “They buy American machinery (where available) and produce an American product. We are lucky to have them here, providing employment for so many people and setting a great example for employers throughout Connecticut.”

Droppo, whose passion for his work is undeniable, spoke at length about the manufacturing process and Curtis’ environmental stewardship. The company lives by its tagline, “Luxuriously Responsible,” and is proud to be the first packaging company in North America that is 100% carbon neutral and uses 100% renewable electricity.

Newtown High Students Visit Capitol

Rep. Hovey meets with American Government students from Newtown High in the gallery of the House on June 7th, 2011.