Florida Gov. Rick Scott told a group of business owners at a Norwalk hotel Friday that the primary reason for his trip to Connecticut is to convince businesses to relocate to the Sunshine State.
"We’re competing!" Scott told the crowded ballroom at the Norwalk Inn. "Whether we like it or not, we’re competing. There are countries competing with other countries for jobs, there are states competing with other states."
Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency, which acts as a public-private partnership, purchased radio ads in Connecticut earlier in the week. The ad-buy and subsequent visit by Scott came on the heels of the Connecticut General Assembly approving both new and, in some cases, higher existing business taxes.
Scott said that’s why his state has gotten aggressive.
"When your legislature and your governor raises taxes and makes it more difficult for companies to do business, it gives me this opportunity to be here and get more companies," Scott said.
Bart Shuldman, chairman and CEO of TransAct Technologies Inc., helped organize the meeting. TransAct is a high tech printing company that does business around the world from its base in Hamden. Shuldman said his interest in Scott’s remarks was more about how to make Connecticut a better place to live and work rather than coming up with reasons to leave.
"This was not about moving jobs out of Connecticut. It’s anything but," Shuldman said. "This was non-political. No political leaders here. These were businesspeople that care about this state. We have a fantastic state, but you know what? Things are getting bad."
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The Connecticut Democratic Party and labor leaders from across the state held an opposition-themed news conference outside the hotel where Scott spoke. They said the appearance was nothing more than a political ploy to boost the unpopular Florida governor’s image. Recent approval ratings have hovered below 40 percent in recent months for the second-term Republican.
"These trips are about self-promotion, not economic development," said Nick Balletto, the chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party.
He also remarked on how GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is visiting New Hampshire for a similar economic development trip soon.
Scott said it’s not his concern that business owners are looking for tips on how to make Connecticut a better state for business. He added that his appearance in Connecticut only helps his cause of expanding job growth.
"I’m trying to make Florida into the best place in the world to make jobs. I have two daughters. I have three grandsons. I want them to live in Florida close to me and they’re not going to live there if they can’t get a job," Scott said.
