“We’ve got a horrible economy here,” he said. “Eight years of a Democratic governor. We’ve had two of the largest tax increases in the history of the state of Connecticut. We have a $4 billion budget deficit.”

Stefanowski said the state’s pension plan is underfunded by $1 billion and blamed the creation of a state income tax for Connecticut’s fiscal problems.

“We’ve got an employee pension plan at the state level that’s $1 billion under funded,” he continued. “We’re the classic example of failed economic policy. And the reason I’m actually leading in the polls right now in the internal polls is that people want change. It started when we put a state income tax in 1991.”

Stefanowski said Connecticut used to be the fastest growing state in America but was derailed by the income tax and the continuation of failed fiscal policy.

“Before that income tax came in, Connecticut was the fastest growing state in the entire nation. In the 25 years since we’re almost last in economic growth,” he said.

“We’re the only state that hasn’t recovered the jobs from the great recession. I’m running on a platform of get rid of that state income tax over eight years, lowering the corporate tax and getting our economy moving again. That’s what people are desperate for in the state of Connecticut. And that’s why a Republican can win the governorship this year,” he said.

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