Some Positive Steps in 2013 General Assembly

In a most unusual year, the five-month session of the 2013 General Assembly actually was the story of two sessions: one centered on gun control and school safety, and the other addressing Connecticut’s next two-year budget, energy, the workforce, taxes, and the state’s regulatory climate.

Throughout, businesses urged legislators to focus on actions that would make Connecticut stronger and able to more quickly achieve a full economic recovery.

Progress was made on energy costs and availability, and improvements to Connecticut’s regulatory environment. And while once again many proposals were introduced to make it more difficult and more costly to do business in Connecticut, most ultimately failed.

Except for budget negotiations, more bipartisanship was seen in 2013 in several legislative committees. There was not always agreement on issues, but wider participation and debate. That bipartisanship had begun much earlier in special sessions on jobs and the deficit mitigation session in December 2012.   

Much more work remains, because Connecticut’s economy continues to struggle, too many people can’t find jobs, and the state’s fiscal condition remains tenuous.      

Year in Review: CBIA takes a close look at this year’s business-related issues and the actions lawmakers took—and refrained from taking:

• State Spending and Taxes
• Energy
• Environment
• Healthcare
• Labor and Workplace
• Economic Development
• Campaign Finance