U.S. Air Force veteran and State Representative Christopher Coutu spoke with College Republicans members Tuesday night, taking questions and addressing issues.
Coutu covered topics ranging from the Connecticut budget crisis to illegal immigration at the College Republicans meeting. The meeting began with an introduction by the club's president, Tim Plungis, a 7th-semester American studies major. Plungis explained that Coutu was one of the only Republicans in the last election.
"[He] definitely deserved the victory [as] one of the hardest working candidates," said Plungis.
Connecticut's budget crisis was the first issue discussed, as Coutu explained his belief in the state's need for fiscal responsibility. According to Coutu, this need is not being met. With $1.5 billion in new taxes and $300 million to come from an unknown source, he described the current budget as potentially being the "most fiscally irresponsible budget in the history of the state."
Coutu went on to discuss budget problems at the national level by commenting on the recent $700 billion stimulus package.
"The money's going to fill budget holes in the state, which it was never supposed to do… [which will] put us more in debt, actually," Coutu said.
On the topic of health care reform, Coutu stated that he does see a need for reorganization, and that a few bills were already in Connecticut before President Barack Obama presented his plans. However, Coutu said, "big government can get out of control," so accountability for health care should lie with the individual citizen.
He suggested Health Savings Accounts (HSA), explaining that although they have high deductibles, the premiums are 50 to 60 percent less.
Coutu also said that although some private plans are very expensive, state plans can demand monthly payments of almost twice as much.
When asked what Republicans plan to do to reform healthcare, Coutu responded, "They're holding up their own bill in committee, but it won't come out."
Next was a discussion of illegal immigration.
"I think the laws need to be enforced; that's the bottom line," Coutu said.
He said he has seen much of the issue firsthand and that secure borders should be a top priority for the country.
"There's a lot of illegal activity that goes along with being here illegally," said Coutu.
Coutu delivered a final message, directed at the country's youth, saying they should get involved, possibly by taking internships with their local government. For more information, he can be reached by going to his web site, www.repcoutu.com.
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