Business Community Calls for Lawmakers to Override Manufacturing Training Bill Veto

Connecticut business and manufacturing organizations today called for state lawmakers to override Governor Dannel Malloy’s veto of a bill expanding the manufacturing apprenticeship tax credit to small businesses.
“This bill is about small business and jobs,” CBIA president and CEO Joe Brennan said.
“While the governor is absolutely correct with his concerns about the state budget, we believe the best way to solve the state’s fiscal issues is through economic growth and job creation.
“Workforce challenges are suppressing that growth and this bill is part of the overall solution.
“The top concern Connecticut manufacturers face is finding skilled workers to fill thousands of well-paying positions.
“This measure helps smaller manufacturers train the employees they need to address the growing shortage of skilled workers in the state.”
Brennan referenced a 2017 CBIA survey which showed manufacturers need to fill over 13,000 job positions this year to meet growing demand and replace retiring workers.
“Manufacturing is one of the economy’s real bright spots and small businesses in supply chains play a key role in the sector’s growth,” Brennan said.
“In an environment where small businesses face a number of challenges, including high costs and finding skilled workers, this bill sends a signal that policymakers understand their needs and are listening to their concerns.”
SB 261 passed unanimously during the 2018 legislative session.
It extends the existing apprenticeship tax credit to pass-through tax entities, which includes LLC, LLPs, and S corporations. The current tax credit is available only to C-corporations.
Brennan said CBIA is joined by the Aerospace Components Manufacturers, the Connecticut Tooling and Machining Association, the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, the Metal Manufacturers Education and Training Alliance, the New England Spring and Metal Stamping Association, the New Haven Manufacturers Association, the Precision Machined Products Association, and the Smaller Manufacturers Association of Connecticut in calling for a veto override.
“We all urge lawmakers to override the governor’s veto of SB 261,” Brennan said.

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).