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U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman focused his comments to the Stamford Chamber of Commerce on the economy Monday, telling members the Bush tax cuts should be extended. He also said the controversial financial-sector bailout was needed, and that exports will help Connecticut bounce back.
"We have to focus on export growth," said Lieberman, "particularly here in Connecticut" where exports from the state have increased 16 percent during the first half of this year, he said.
"So we should be doing everything we can to encourage and support that trend."
Lieberman briefly outlined how to address economic challenges the country and state face during the Stamford Chamber's 23rd Annual Meeting. The 68-year-old Stamford native and Stamford High School graduate was keynote speaker. More than 200 attended.
Lieberman said "sacrifices" will be needed to overcome the current economic situation, which has put one out of every 10 Americans out of work.
"There's just no sugarcoating the fact that the economic recovery today is not what we want and need it to be," he said.
To help, a small-business jobs bill was passed last week, he said.
"It will provide $12 billion in tax cuts for small businesses," he said. He added that tax cuts already in place should be prolonged.
"I believe that we should extend all of the so-called Bush tax cuts for another year at least," said Lieberman, drawing applause. Slashing the deficit also should be a priority, he said.
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