MEDIA ADVISORY: Unemployment Fund Debt Crisis Press Conference

Connecticut small business leaders will hold a press conference with legislators Wednesday, April 7 to address the state’s unemployment trust fund debt crisis.

The state borrowed about $700 million from the federal government to cover pandemic-driven unemployment compensation benefit claims after the unemployment trust fund became insolvent.

Employers, business organizations, and lawmakers will speak to the critical need to use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to address that debt and avoid broad tax hikes on struggling small businesses.

Speakers include:

• Kathy Saint, president and CEO, Schwerdtle, Inc.
• Scott Smith, partner, Max Restaurant Group
• Wendy Traub, chief financial officer, Hemlock Directional Boring, Inc.
• Chris DiPentima, president and CEO, CBIA
• Scott Dolch, executive director, Connecticut Restaurant Association
• Andrew Markowski, Connecticut state director, NFIB
• Garrett Sheehan, president and CEO, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
• State Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford), House Republican Leader
• State Rep. Kerry Wood (D-Rocky Hill), co-chair, Insurance and Real Estate Committee; co-chair, Moderate Democratic Blue Dog Caucus

The press conference begins at 11:30 am and will be held through Zoom. Media wishing to attend should contact CBIA’s Joe Budd.

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).