From CBIA News, February 2003

Wish government officials would heed your views? 

Here’s how to speak up and be heard on taxes, workplace costs and other issues 

Suppose your employees knew about a company problem but never brought it to your attention. The situation might fester, since you can’t fix a problem you don’t know about. 

The same holds true for government. If elected officials never hear from businesspeople, they might have no idea that their actions, or inactions, are causing serious trouble for companies like yours. The potential for such trouble is particularly strong right now. The state faces significant budget deficits, and advocates for various state-funded programs are calling for higher business taxes as a way to protect their programs from cuts. And, as a business owner or manager, you’re probably all too aware of other business problems — health benefit costs, workers’ comp and so on — that are affected by government decisions.

Here are some effective ways to get legislators to heed your concerns.

First, learn the facts. Read CBIA publications such as the Government Affairs Report and visit the “Government Issues & Politics” area at cbia.com for information on the state’s budget crisis (including the implications for taxes), as well as other issues companies like yours are struggling with. 

Then, contact your legislators. Your phone call, fax or e-mail giving state legislators the perspectives of a Connecticut business can help them make better decisions on many key issues. You can find detailed information about your legislators, including contact information, e-mail address, phone and fax numbers, and mailing address at cbia.com. 

When you communicate with legislators, follow these guidelines:

• Tell them your company’s name, location, line of business and how many workers you employ.

• Explain how high business costs and other problems affect your company’s ability to create and retain jobs.

• Let your legislators know how higher costs will hurt your company and its ability to provide employee benefits, offer good wages and continue doing business in Connecticut.

You can also meet with legislators face-to-face. Here are several ways to do that:

• Invite them to your company for an informal tour of your facilities.

• Host or attend a Legislative Breakfast Meeting. CBIA can help you set up one of these informal meetings. They’re a great way to establish a working relationship with your legislators. 

• Attend Connecticut Business Day at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on March 12. 

For help or more information, contact CBIA Public Affairs Director Shaun McNally. 

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