The CT Working Families Party fully supports the Gov. Dannel Malloy’s call for a fairer Connecticut. We’re very encouraged by his commitment to put the needs of Connecticut’s workers, who have made so many sacrifices over the years, first. His plan to ensure fairness in the workplace is a welcomed return to the policies he campaigned on and made Connecticut a national leader for other states to follow.
Raising the minimum wage, expanding paid sick days, and passing pay-equity legislation are meaningful steps to put Connecticut back on track. Our state consistently tracks in the top three states with the worst income inequality. These bills will help narrow that gap and help workers and parents become financially stable. We urge the legislature to work with the governor on passing these bills. After years of sacrifices, it’s the right thing to do – not just for workers, but for the growth and health of our state.
Fairness in the workplace should also extend to fairness in our economy. A living wage, earned sick time, and paid family leave will help thousands of families. But there is more work to be done. Our “economy” is lopsided. If we want to address income inequality at its root cause, then we need to stop subsidizing large, profitable corporations at the expense of ordinary workers and families.
Over the years, the governor has not received enough credit for making Connecticut a leader on issues of racial justice and criminal justice reform. We applaud the governor for helping to ensure that our undocumented communities are protected and empowered to contribute to the maximum of their ability to to our economy, political system, and local neighborhoods.
We welcome the opportunity to work with the governor and the General Assembly on passing a pro-worker agenda that will move our state forward and build an economy that works for everyone.
Lindsay Farrell is State Director of the Connecticut Working Families Party.