Politics & Government

Middlebury Job Creation: Goal of Senator's Proposal

State Sen. Rob Kane proposed an economic development zone for the area around the Waterbury-Oxford Airport. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Dannel Malloy.

State Sen. Rob Kane, R-32, spoke to area small business leaders about building business and creating jobs in Middlebury and other towns in western Connecticut, at the National Federation of Independent Businesses Evenings with Entrepreneurs event September 28 at the 121 Restaurant at Waterbury-Oxford Airport.

He addressed business leaders' concerns and discussed the economic development zone he has proposed for the area around the airport, according to a press release.

Gov. Dannel Malloy recently vetoed Kane’s bill to create an economic development zone around Oxford Airport, even though the bill passed nearly unanimously in the legislature, the press release stated.

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Kane said he will continue to fight for passage of the bill in the Wednesday, Oct. 26, special session of the legislature. He said the bill will provide incentives to small businesses to grow manufacturing, high tech and research jobs in the zone, which is accessible to I-84 and ripe for development.

Kane noted that he slightly amended his proposal to address some of the Malloy administration's concerns.

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"We have made the zone smaller," said Kane. "We narrowed the zone’s 'bull’s eye,' if you will. It is more focused. More condensed. But the idea is the same. This idea will create jobs here in Oxford, Middlebury and Southbury. It will be a boost for small businesses. We always hear politicians say that 'Connecticut is open for business.' Well, if that's true, then we should pass this common sense measure as soon as possible.  What are we waiting for?"


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