CBIA Outlines 2016 Legislative Agenda, Calls for Focus on State’s Economy and Business Climate

Connecticut’s largest business organization today called for state lawmakers to use the 2016 legislative session as a turning point and make the state’s economic competitiveness its top priority.
In releasing its policy agenda, CBIA said the state must respond to the challenges facing employers, build on recent progress, and end the economic uncertainty that creates doubt and hesitation among Connecticut’s job creators.
“Lawmakers must give businesses, small and large, the confidence to invest and grow here,” said CBIA president and CEO Joe Brennan.
“Government must change the way it operates if Connecticut’s going to see strong, vibrant economic growth.
“The uncertainty created by the state’s short- and long-term fiscal problems threatens that growth.”
Brennan noted that Governor Malloy’s budget proposals represented “the tough, necessary changes Connecticut needs to resolve its fiscal issues and build a strong, competitive economy.”
“The Governor’s five budget principles reflect the sentiments we’re hearing from our member companies,” Brennan said.
CBIA’s 2016 legislative priorities are based around eight key issue areas:
Sustainable state spending and tax policy: Expand economic growth and business confidence by reforming state government, reducing the cost of services, and stabilizing long-term state finances.
Business law: Put Connecticut employers on a level playing field with business standards in other states and cut unnecessary red tape.
Education & workforce talent: Replenish Connecticut’s hallmark skilled workforce by expanding, enhancing, and increasing access to the talent pipeline.
Energy: Reduce the state’s high energy costs through expanded access to cleaner, more diverse, and more efficient energy.
Environmental and regulatory reform: Put Connecticut on an even playing field by making regulations consistent with U.S. and other states’, fairly apply them, and justify their need before adoption.
Healthcare: Make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all by reducing costs, eliminating hidden charges, and focusing on value and quality.
Labor and employment: No more first-in-the-nation workplace mandates until Connecticut is first in the nation in job growth.
Transportation: Maximize one of the best strategic locations in the U.S. by transforming the state’s infrastructure as much as state and federal resources will allow.
“We’ve seen some promising first steps, but the time for small steps is over,” Brennan said.
“Connecticut’s rate of growth is not strong enough to sustain and support state programs and services and keep jobs and families in Connecticut.
“Lawmakers must come together to support real, long-term reforms so Connecticut can meet the competitive demands of a 21st century economy.”
Download CBIA’s 2016 policy agenda or contact Meaghan MacDonald (860.244.1957) for a copy.

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 email or call Meaghan MacDonald (860.244.1957).