President Obama Speaks at CCSU
By Robin Vinci at March 6, 2024 | 6:06 pm | Print
President Barack Obama came to New Britain Wednesday in a historic visit to Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to speak on raising the minimum wage.
After a quick stop at Café Beauregard on Main St. for lunch, where he apparently ordered a Korean beef sandwich and chili, Obama spoke to a large crowd at Detrick Gymnasium for about 35 minutes.
He was introduced by Governor Dannel Malloy who said Obama “has done an outstanding job for all of us in Connecticut.”
Although “Hail to the Chief” was played it took a few seconds after the song concluded for the president to finally enter the stage to an anxiously awaiting standing ovation by the crowd.
His first words were, “Go Blue Devils”, which sparked the students.
He said it was good to be back in Connecticut. He thanked CCSU President Jack Miller and even mentioned Mayor Erin Stewart saying she was a CCSU alum.
But, his main topic was the economy. He said “folks at the top are doing better than ever, but averages wages have not gone up.”
He said it was central to change that and build an economy that works for everybody.
“The central premise of this country is the chance to achieve your dreams if you work hard,” said Obama. “It doesn’t matter where you start, but where you finish.”
He said the agenda he has laid out is to restore opportunity for everybody. It involves “more good jobs that pay good wages”.
He said there are four parts. Part one is to rebuild the economy so there are good jobs in the future.
Part two is giving more Americans the skills to fill those jobs.
Part three is giving everyone a world class education.
“We are offerings millions of young people the chance to cap their student loans to ten percent of their income,” Obama told the crowd filled with cheering students. “No young person should be priced out of higher education.”
He said the fourth component of the opportunity agenda is making sure if you are working you can get ahead.
“It includes making sure women receive equal pay for equal work,” he said to huge applause. “And making sure you can save and retire with dignity. It means health insurance is there when you are sick and need it most.”
He then focused on the importance of raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.
“Nobody who works full time should ever have to raise a family in poverty. That violates the basic facts of who we are,” Obama said. “That is why it is time to give America a raise.”
A year ago Obama asked congress to raise the minimum wage. Connecticut was one of the states that did raise the minimum wage to $8.70.
He said smart companies like Costco already give people higher wages. New Britain is in the process of getting a Costco store who said they wills start pay at $12 an hour.
“We want an honest days pay for an honest days work,” Obama said. “We are going to finish the job. Now is the time to get onboard.”
Obama concluded his time at CCSU going into the crowd and shaking the hands of many constituents.
When Obama arrived at Bradley International Airport Wednesday, he was greeted by Malloy, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
At CCSU were Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Reps. Jim Himes, Rosa DeLauro, Joe Courtney, Elizabeth Esty and John Larson. Various New Britain leaders such as Mayor Stewart, Former Mayors Tim Stewart and Lucian Pawlak, Sen. Theresa Gerratana, State Representatives Peter Tercyak, Betty Boukas, Robert Sanchez and more were also in attendance in a special section.
The event was not without some controversy. Two groups were outside protesting.
One was Ukrainian-Americans asking President Obama to help their native country in its standoff with Russia. The second was a protest on the ‘Keystone XL Pipeline.
This was the first time in 11 years that a president has visited New Britain. The last one was President George W. Bush in June of 2003.
This was Obama’s first visit to Connecticut this year. The president is next traveling to the Boston area for a Democratic National Committee event and a fundraiser.
