Give us your tired, your over-leveraged

Your lightly regulated masses yearning to be tax free.

Ok, that doesn't scan so well, so instead, your governor wrote this, in an open letter to New York-based hedge funds whose managers and employees could soon be hit with a new tax by the legislature and governor in Albany, where they're trying to close a massive deficit: "Connecticut welcomes you."

Since many of those hedge funders already live in Connecticut, why not just move their whole operations into the state to duck any new taxes conceived in Albany.

After all, Connecticut won't be trying to solve its own massive structural budget mess for, well, at least six months or so.

Emma Lazarus it ain't, but this might be the right tone for the Gordon Gekko crowd. Rell's full letter is below.

June 30, 2010

Mr. Timothy P. Selby, President
New York Hedge Fund Roundtable
c/o Alston & Bird, LLP
90 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016-1387

Dear Mr. Selby and Members of the Roundtable:

As lawmakers in Albany consider a proposal to vastly increase the tax liability of hedge fund professionals who work in New York – many of whom have already wisely decided to live in Connecticut – I would like to convey a very simple, yet heartfelt, message: Connecticut welcomes you!

As Governor, I stand ready to do anything possible to assist you. Our economic development professionals stand ready to help you find convenient, modern and prime office space. Our relocation specialists stand ready to aid your families in locating great homes and good schools. Our quality of life is second to none – one need only ask a colleague who already makes Connecticut his or her home about the many pleasures of living in our state.

And I can assure you that Connecticut has been pursuing and will continue to pursue a much more enlightened approach to job creation and retention and economic development.

Packing up and moving is never an easy decision – I understand that. However, I also understand that short-sighted decisions have long-term consequences. That understanding is a hallmark of good decision-making in any business. I encourage you to consider the attractive options Connecticut can offer, and invite you to contact my office directly to explore the matter further.

Best Regards,


M. Jodi Rell

Governor

UPDATE: Dixon and I shouldn't sit so close to one another. Awkward mind-meld.