FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2008
STUDENT E-MAIL TRIGGERS A VISIT FROM STATE REP. SHAWN JOHNSTON
Student letters and e-mails to members of the state government
and legislature resulted in a visit to Erin Pagano’s macroeconomic class by
Democratic State Representative Shawn Johnston on Monday, April 21st. As
part of the “Poverty, Who Cares?” project at Quinebaug Valley Community
College, students posed questions about the current level of state
expenditures and whether it is improving the overall standard of living in
this area of Connecticut. One of the few responses came to Erick Thorstenson,
Thompson, CT, who did receive an initial reply to his e-mail, which was then
followed up with the visit to the class.
Johnston,
a graduate of QVCC, engaged students in a discussion about the amount of
money the State of Connecticut’s borrows or bonds each year, how this has
increased dramatically since 1988 and the effect it will have on generations
of Connecticut residents to pay back this debt. Thorstenson’s question was
specifically regarding the new improvements to the Thompson school system
and the potential impact it will have on the town of Thompson in the long
run. Johnston explained how the states contribution to the Thompson school
project is borrowed money and not money included in the state budget. He
continued to explain that a huge portion of the state debt is for school
construction. Johnston stated he is for school construction but would like
to see more of the money needed for construction incorporated into the state
budget.
Student questions included the topics of budget surplus and deficit, casino
revenues, long term planning and what can students do to help.
For additional information, contact Instructor of Business, Erin Pagano
epagano@qvcc.commnet.edu or at
860-412-7248.
CONTACT
Margie Huoppi
Publications Associate
(860) 774-1133
mhuoppi@qvcc.commnet.edu