Litchfield BZ - OPINION

OPINION

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We need your help!

The Connecticut legislature recently introduced a bill that will endanger your local, independently owned wine and spirits shops. Governor Malloy would like you to think this bill is only about allowing Sunday sales, but its impact is much greater than that. Rather than protecting small businesses and their employees, this is a nod to out-of-state big-box stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, and major supermarket chains.

Under Governor Malloy's proposed legislation, supermarkets, big-box stores and even gas stations could go into the package store business. The two most important portions of the bill would allow box stores and food stores to own 9 alcohol sales permits--each! This would cost up to as many as 7,000 jobsand add hundreds of new alcohol permits to the state.Seven THOUSAND Connecticut residents would face unemployment, and hundreds of small, family-owned package stores would be run out of business.

Currently, our state regulations only allow one package store per 2,500 people. Governor Malloy seeks to end that restriction, allowing permits to be sold to big-box and food stores and then moved into any town regardless of population.

Carroll Hughes, executive director of the Connecticut Package Stores Association, predicted Thursday that if the governor's bill becomes law, it will mean the end of independently owned shops, who would be crushed by supermarkets and big-box retailers. continued

Dear Friends,

How fortunate we are to live in a community where neighbors reach out to one another in times of adversity. On the heels of its annual solicitation for support, the board members of the Litchfield Community Services Fund (LCSF) are once again moved by the generosity of the community, churches and organizations whose contributions of time and money enable LSCF to assist our neighbors in need.

Throughout our 44th year working in the community this volunteer, nonprofit group has quietly continued its mission in a confidential manner to provide support and assistance in Bantam, Litchfield and Northfield.

In compliance with its charter, the Fund provides assistance when no other resources are available. This past year 78 grants were made covering fuel and utilities, rent, mortgage payments, unmet medical expenses, day care assistance, camp for special needs children and transportation. Understandably in this economic climate, assistance has grown significantly.

On behalf of the Directors of the Fund and those they assist, our heartfelt gratitude and thanks for making a difference in many lives.

For additional information or to apply for assistance, please call 860-567-0480 or write the Fund at PO Box 819 in Litchfield.

Sincerely,

Marie H.Wallace

Secretary