CBIA Response to July Employment Report

Connecticut’s largest business organization reacted to today’s release of the July employment report, saying the state “needs to do everything it can to nurture our recovery” from COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions.

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima welcomed the July report, noting employers have now recovered 45% of the 291,300 jobs that were lost in March and April. 

“This is a positive report, particularly with some of the hardest hit sectors—including retail trade and leisure and hospitality—again among the big gainers,” DiPentima said today.

“Connecticut continues to be well-positioned in terms of the state’s overall economic rebound and we must do everything we can to help employers nurture and protect that recovery.”

DiPentima said a number of questions surround the state’s economic picture, including the pending school year, the role of federal stimulus and unemployment benefit programs, and the likelihood of a resurgence of the coronavirus in the fall and winter.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty for instance around the new school year,” DiPentima said. “What’s going to be the impact on employers with schools employing a range of models to educate students? Can our child care system support that?

“The prospect of another wave or surge in the coronavirus this fall and winter has employers very nervous about what lies ahead.

“Connecticut cannot risk another economic shutdown, whether narrow or broad. There’s a lot at risk here and we have to get it right.”

CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please contact Joe Budd (860.244.1951).