HARTFORD--On Monday, Gov. Dan Malloy got a tour of the business PDQ Inc. in Rocky Hill.
PDQ is owned by Ron Gronback Jr., who took the business over from his father in 2000. The company, which works primarily with UTC Aerospace Systems, is part of the aerospace industry in Connecticut and manufactures precision parts, pins and specialized washers.
The business has seen a 20-percent growth each year since 2009, and Malloy is hanging it up as just one example of a business thriving in Connecticut's aerospace alley.
“This is what we had to protect, now this is what we're growing,” Malloy told FIOX 61.
Growing business at a time when money and resources are scarce is a serious challenge for Connecticut, and is one Malloy says the state must prioritize. Just last week he delivered a stern State of the State Address in which he laid out a hard reality to legislative leaders about our budget hole continuing to grow.
The governor says Connecticut needs to tighten its belt and get its finances in order.
When asked if he thought lawmakers got the message, Malloy responded by saying, "I think so. I think that there's a recognition that there is a new economic reality."
The governor spoke with FOX 61 about reaction to his plan, which includes restructuring government, finding inefficiencies, and reducing its size.
But a large question remains: will he be able to hold the line on the Democratic-controlled House and Senate, especially during an election year?
Last February he called for serious spending cuts, but the budget he signed was a far cry from what he proposed.
"Because of the politics that were played both by Republicans and Democrats we ended up with a very different budget," Malloy responded. "I think we have a real shot of getting the job done now, if everybody holds the line."
As for tax increases this year? Malloy says he is standing firm.
"We can't spend more money than you have," said Malloy. "I don't think we should be raising taxes."
The governor went on to say, "We've got to reset people's expectations, we're not going to raise taxes so let's get to work."
Republicans say they've been calling for changes for years.
GOP leaders say Malloy and the Democrats refused to make necessary changes during last budget discussions, which has allowed these problems to continue.
