[cynic1]

Originally Posted by Henry10

I am not following this. What does Aetna have to do with the Public Unions, their contracts and bennies?

I would think it matters to Aetna and any other company in the state ..as well as to individual tax payers... since a little over 40% of the states budget is consumed by current state employees and retired ex employees. The state has to get a handle on its expenses before increasing taxes given that its already at or close to the top of the heap with regard to taxation.

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by cynic1

I would think it matters to Aetna and any other company in the state ..as well as to individual tax payers... since a little over 40% of the states budget is consumed by current state employees and retired ex employees. The state has to get a handle on its expenses before increasing taxes given that its already at or close to the top of the heap with regard to taxation.

I agree that the state has to get its financial health in order. But having Aetna demand it -- is like me demanding that drug cartels stop smuggling cocaine.

[BobNJ1960]

No if AETNA pays Ct taxes of any kind, AETNA is the buyer. Buyers have the right to choose suppliers, and like RFQs, put out specs, terms, and conditions for potential bidders.

Ct is now bidding for AETNA's jobs.

[HumpDay]

I can't imagine what Hartford would be like without Aetna and Travelers. It would probably be on the of the worst things to happen in Hartford since the Whalers left. How can the Travelers Tower be left vacant or the huge Aetna facility being empty. I just can't imagine that.

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

No if AETNA pays Ct taxes of any kind, AETNA is the buyer.

Not really. Aetna has to pay CT taxes, whether it likes it or not. It is not free not to pay taxes. Surely it can move, but as long as it is a CT corporation, it must pay taxes involuntarily.

[BobNJ1960]

Only if it stays here, Henry10. Like any buyer, it can decide a supplier's price is too high, and switch to a new one.

That is why this thread exists. Like any smart customer, it is telling its current supplier off..when it keeps jacking up prices.

Contrary to popular Ct CD belief, corps are not hostages.

[BobNJ1960]

HumpDay, the Whalers leaving is nothing compared to these giants leaving. Hartford would look like MoTown economically.

[MrGompers]

I believe a part of this new budget is CT liquor stores can stay open an extra hour at night starting July 1st. So that would be until 10 pm mon - sat and 6pm sunday.

Maybe if everyone turns into alcoholics we can solve this budget issue. Drink our way into prosperity. Sounds like a great campaign slogan.

[BobNJ1960]

AETNA's announcement is going to almost force them to either move or get even more incentives from Ct than UTC got. If they do neither, analysts will rip them for ignoring opportunities to cut costs, and that is unacceptable for any true large corporation, as it should be.

In short, what Ct just did is the equivalent of asking your MLB player (if you own a team) to hire Scott Boras as your agent. Ga has been just the first to get in touch with them. These corps will attract dozens of states ready to do whatever it takes to win their jobs.

[newerabuzz]

Malloy: "G.E. has not paid any substantial amount of corporate taxes"