Welcome Centers in Connecticut will be open for the summer. During Governor Ned Lamont's keynote address to the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce this morning in Danbury, he asked the crowd a rhetorical questions about what kind of welcome is it for people to find porta potties and locked buildings.   

Lamont also talked about Danbury being the gateway to Connecticut along I-84 and the impact of tolls and says he understands the risks to the Danbury-area economy.  He is calling for a public-private partnership.  Lamont believes if private entities are involved in tolling it could further prevent raids of the Special Transportation Fund. 

Lamont is trying to differentiate himself from his predecessor and came off more friendly and less combative.  As a businessman, he touted the business people put in place to run various agencies.  In response to a suggestion that he make 10-percent cuts across departments, Lamont noted that it could be even more because of the expertise he's brought in.  Lamont tapped a former IBM employee to head the agency reviewing all IT in Connecticut. 

He says the income tax is a line in the sand for him and that residents can't afford another hike.  As for his proposed sales tax changes, he is open to negotiations.  Lamont also talked about proposed changes to DMV operations, a debt-diet for the state and bond rating agencies upgrading the outlook for Connecticut, but not yet the bond rating.  Lamont also wants more teachers hired across the state to reduce class sizes.  He suggested more people of color to reflect student populations, and also more men entering the field.  12 companies have already pledged that if Connecticut college graduates stay in Connecticut. they will offer jobs and student loan forgiveness. 

Lamont took questions for about an hour and then stayed after the event to meet with business leaders who wanted to talk further.