Dear Governor Jodi Rell ,

   Recently a law was passed requiring 8000 licensed plumbers to attend an all day class
in order to maintain our state license.  There was virtually no input from the plumbers and from what I hear, most who voted for it had no idea of what is was about.

   This class is being started in order to relay information to us about code changes. I agree this is important, but I can think of many ways that this could be done easier i.e. All licensed plumbers can receive a newsletter with these changes. It can even be done Quarterly instead of a once a year class (codes change more than just once a year).  It would be a small cost for postage compared to the $1,120,000 that would be collected from us for this "training?" (8000 plumbers times $140) Where will this money go?

   We take great pride in our skills and only need to know the changes, not attend classes scheduled all over the State. We have mouths to feed and the money we lose by attending classes is taxed and the state will take in the million plus in taxes by us working the day instead of subjecting us to this nonsense. I hope that you will support Bill #5659 that Rep Ed Julita 37th district is sponsor of and Rep.Anne Ruwet is co sponsoring. We Plumbers trust that you will help us out in this matter.

Respectfully,

George Kraus Jr.

316 New Litchfield Street

Torrington , CT. 06790