Dear ConnPIRG member,

Can we top last year? In 2008 we won several significant victories, none bigger than a landmark consumer protection bill that will mean safer toys and children’s products on Connecticut’s store shelves.

I don’t think I’m alone in looking at 2009 with a strong sense of optimism that new leadership will provide us the best chance in years to make progress on issues that matter.

My optimism isn’t fueled by the new leadership alone. More Americans are participating in the political process, as witnessed by record turnout for the presidential election. An engaged public always helps our efforts to push past opposition from powerful interests.

Don’t get me wrong. My optimism is tempered by the fact that the banking industry, Big Pharma, Big Oil and others who all too often stand in the way of progress haven’t gone away.

But with you at our side, we’ll fight to reform our broken health care system, we’ll advocate for more money for public transportation, and we’ll make sure that any bailouts of the financial or other industries come with strict government oversight and accountability.

Sincerely,

Andy MacDonald
Organizing Director
info@connpirg.org