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Posted on 01/26/2009 5:47:17 PM PST by SeekAndFind
The State of Connecticut has discovered a method of preventing job layoffs.
Blumenthal Wants Connecticut Regulators To Block AT&T Job Cuts - The Hartford Courant
"AT&T (T) said last month that it would pare its Connecticut workforce, which totals about 6,800, by 400 jobs and transfer another 60 jobs to Michigan. A day after the news broke, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, flanked by union leaders, implored state regulators to block the cuts with the force of law while the state investigates the impact on customer service."
“This is not about AT&T. This is not about Blumenthal. This is about the kind of message Connecticut is sending to business — a state that has no positive job growth and [has] people who are falling over themselves to prove that they’re pro-consumer by showing they’re anti-business,” AT&T spokesman Dave Mancuso said.
State regulators have so far denied Blumenthal’s requests, without listing specific reasons.
Blumenthal’s call for a stay on layoffs has only intensified AT&T’s growing frustration with operating in Connecticut. During an economic conference in September, AT&T’s eastern regional manager urged government officials to scale back regulation and let the company do its job. “We don’t need policy-makers stepping in and telling us how to do it or where to do it,” Chad Townes said at the conference.
Though parts of AT&T are regulated, the company is increasingly operating in a competitive marketplace that demands lower costs and lower prices.
“In order for them to be competitive with other carriers, this is what they have to do,” Kagan, the telecom analyst, said. “If they have to start worrying about how many jobs they have to leave in how many states … the company would be doomed.”
Layoff Bans Are Counter Productive
Under the guise of preserving customer service the Attorney General's attempt to block job cuts will only further destroy Connecticut’s ability to draw new businesses to the State. The Attorney General should know better and his actions seem more directed to pandering for votes rather than improving the business climate in Connecticut.
If prohibiting job layoffs is a great idea, why not extend the theory of a centrally planned economy even further? Prohibit all layoffs by every business operating in Connecticut. Extend this logic further and pass a law forcing AT&T and every other business in the State to hire new employees until the unemployment rate reaches zero? Excuse me for saying so, Mr. Blumenthal, but this tactic has failed in every socialist state on the planet.
Attempting to prohibit layoffs is total lunacy and it will not work. My advice to the Attorney General: Instead of creating a hostile business environment, Connecticut should be focusing on sensible issues that will foster economic and job growth.
If the Attorney General really wants to help Connecticut’s economy, here’s something sensible that he can work on.
Tax Foundation - Connecticut 3rd Highest Tax Burden in Nation
Tax Freedom Day is the day when Americans finally have earned enough money to pay off their total tax bill for the year. In 2008, Connecticut taxpayers had to work until May 8 (the latest in the nation) to pay their total tax bill, 15 days later than the national Tax Freedom Day (April 23).
* Connecticut’s State/Local Tax Burden Third-Highest in Nation
* Connecticut, currently ranked 3rd highest, has risen 21 places over the last three decades and now holds a place among the nation’s highest-tax states.
* Connecticut’s 2008 Business Tax Climate Ranks 38th
* Connecticut ranks 38th in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. The Index compares the states in five areas of taxation that impact business: corporate taxes; individual income taxes; sales taxes; unemployment insurance taxes; and taxes on property.
* Connecticut Levies Sales Tax above National Median; Gasoline and Cigarette Taxes among Nation’s Highest
Connecticut Residents Are Voting With Their Feet
The Connecticut State Data Center says figures from last year show the population growth in the state is very small.
The University of Connecticut-based center says Connecticut’s population grew by less than two-tenths of 1 percent last year.
There is a connection between high taxes, job losses and zero population growth. Connecticut has become a very high cost state for both residents and employers. If Connecticut really wants to increase jobs in the state, attention should be focused on lowering taxes. Foolish, politically motivated schemes such as prohibiting layoffs will only lead to further job losses.
Directive 10-289
that’s the one
You mean like when someone says "it's not about the money"?
Dear AT&T,
We are in need of jobs, here on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. You will find many highly educated and motivated professionals who would welcome you to our business friendly state.
There are numerous high tech industries located along the 76 mile Interstate 10 corridor. New Orleans is only one hour the to the west and Mobile, Alabama less than an hour to the east.
We also do not suffer from the freezing effects of AGW, in fact, most folks here understand it is a scam.
So tell the pin heads in Connect-a-cut to stuff it. Southern hospitality is alive well.
Thanks y’all,
P.S. It’s crawfish season now. Come for some mud bugs and beer, you’ll never look back.
“By passing a law making layoffs illegal. “
I understand the concept of the law. Just not the logic. If the company has no money, do they go the route of CA and give IOU’s?
One reason why companies are shedding jobs like a winter coat in spring. They’re afraid this is the last chance to do so. Stories like this one only prove them right. Watch it accelerate.
That's BS. Sometimes it is sometimes it isn't. This time it isn't about AT&T. This time it's about the miserable state of Connecticut telling a private company how many people it has to hire. If I were AT&T I would shut down operations in Connecticut completely. Screw Connecticut.
Shivers just went up my spine!
Isn’t there already something like this in effect? I thought there were laws requiring companies to issue notices so many days in advance of a plant closing. It’s very similar, at least.
The more government intereferes, the worse things will get. Too bad the American people don’t understand that.
Amazing, isn’t it? I’m up to chapter 10 now - the first time I’m reading it - and everything happening today is right there in the book.
Why oh why did I move back to CT?
*ping* Not sure if you keep a CT ping list anymore...
yep!
Actually, I read it as being all about the AG.
And I concur on the course of action...
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