The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Lamont: State’s economy ‘like a coiled spring’
Vaccine rollout will build consumer confidence
DANBURY — Gov. Ned Lamont displayed a sunny view of the state’s economic recovery on a Friday morning call with local business leaders.
“I think our economy is like a coiled spring,” said Lamont, adding that more people will frequent businesses as they get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases wane.
Lamont’s virtual event with the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce came the day after a report showed sharp increases in the state’s unemployment rate and the number of residents filing initial claims for benefits.
But the state is looking toward April 1, when all residents ages 16 and over will be eligible for the vaccine. Lamont said he expects the “overwhelming majority” of residents to be vaccinated by June or July and painted a rosy picture of what this summer could look like.
He envisioned residents eating outdoors after the state House on Thursday extended the relaxed rules on outdoor dining, as well as the public using free WiFi available in downtowns through a project the state is working on with AT&T.
He expects to announce in coming weeks how the state could further lift restrictions, particularly on large gatherings, so venues and arenas can plan summer events.
“I like to keep moving forward cautiously knowing full well that you, the event planners, are making plans right now for July and you need a little bit of clarity,” Lamont said.
COVID-19 cases are creeping upward in the Danbury area and state, with Connecticut’s positivity rate at 3.88 percent on Thursday. The virus variants are rampant around New York City, and New Jersey’s positivity rate is around 8 percent.
Lamont said he is watching these states closely to avoid opening Connecticut further and then needing to tighten restrictions again.
“I've seen that movie before and I don't want to have to backtrack on you,” he said.
The state and federal government’s efforts to support child care providers will help parents, especially women, get back to work, he said. He expects more loans for small businesses, too.
With some federal COVID-19 relief money, the state is exploring creating free, 16-week certificate programs to help workers learn the skills they need to fill jobs that have stayed empty because people are not trained for them, he said. Lamont said he wants local businesses help to build the curriculum and aims to give participants a license for free child care during the program.
“I’m really interested in getting people back to work,” he said.
‘Brighter’ future with vaccines
He said the state is expecting a “boatload” of vaccines next week, including Johnson & Johnson, which will help meet demand as eligibility expands.
“That’s going to give consumers, customers, folks going to restaurants a lot more confidence moving forward,” Lamont said.
In Danbury, vaccines are available at the mall, a downtown health center and a clinic at Rogers Park Middle School that distributed its 10,000th dose on Thursday.
“I want to remain optimistic and I want everyone to remain optimistic about the COVID situation,” Danbury Mayor Joe Cavo said. “We seem to be doing well.”
Lamont is exploring the idea of “vaccine passports” once everyone is eligible, where restaurants, for example, could set up sections for people with the vaccine.
“I’d love your feedback on that because we’re just feeling our way,” he said.
Cavo said he sees a “brighter” future for Danbury post pandemic.
“I like to keep moving forward cautiously knowing full well that you, the event planners, are making plans right now for July and you need a little bit of clarity.”
Gov. Ned Lamont
The city expects to continue to see population growth, is developing its master plan and aims to soon start construction on its downtown revitalization project.
“We’re just excited about all the things that are happening, just waiting to get through this pandemic,” he said.
Danbury could be home to one of 15 sites for retail sports betting as part of a new sports and online gambling deal that could generate tens of millions of dollars in new revenues.
“I could see one of those right here in Danbury, if you want it,” Lamont said. “It’s up to you, of course.”
The “tens of thousands” of people moving to Connecticut — often to the Danbury area — will help the economy, too, Lamont said.
“This is all good news,” Lamont said. “These are young people. They are bringing their kids into our schools. They're starting up businesses, and I think that’s because they like the Connecticut lifestyle.”