BLUEPRINT FOR A HEALTHY CONNECTICUT ECONOMY

Priorities for state government to achieve in 2008

(Jan. 9, 2008) Connecticut's future depends on a thriving, growing economy. People in Connecticut agree, as evidenced by surveys showing they want the state's economy to grow, employers to succeed and young people to have better opportunities for the future.

Addressing these top issues and providing a blueprint for economic growth are the aims of CBIA's 2008 Government Affairs Program. This agenda for Connecticut contains practical solutions to the challenges facing the state and outlines what the state can do to improve our economy. (CBIA recognizes that the Department of Economic and Community Development is developing its own strategic plan for economic development, which will be released in July 2009.

Only a vibrant economy can provide the wealth of benefits that our people and communities need — from good jobs and wages to the opportunity for a better quality of life. A strong business climate also generates the tax revenue that enables state and local governments to provide critically needed social services.

But a healthy economy depends on whether employers, employees and their families feel confident that Connecticut is a place where they can succeed and grow.

State government can foster confidence by creating the conditions that allow more jobs to be created, including:

• More-competitive business costs and lower taxes
  Why? Because Connecticut has the fifth-highest business costs in the United States.
• A top-notch education system to produce a skilled workforce
  Why? Because there aren't enough skilled workers to fill open positions now and into the future.
• A dependable transportation infrastructure
  Why? Because our economy needs to be connected to the global marketplace.

State leaders should also reject proposals that will weaken business confidence and discourage economic investment. Employers and their employees will expect policymakers to stay focused on pro-jobs, pro-economy initiatives.

Connecticut does have challenges. But the best way to solve them is to help our economy grow. A healthier business climate will enable employers to create more sustainable, quality jobs, provide greater financial security, and improve the quality of life for more and more people.