Transform Connecticut—CBIA Releases 2023 Legislative Policy Solutions

The state’s largest business organization today released its 2023 legislative policy solutions, a 12-point package of recommendations designed to unlock and transform Connecticut’s economy. 

“CBIA’s 2023 Transform Connecticut policy solutions target the state’s biggest economic challenges,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said.

DiPentima said the policies, developed through collaboration with residents and business leaders from around the state, focus on addressing Connecticut’s workforce crisis and making the state a more affordable place to live and work.

“There are nearly 100,000 job openings in the state, while 85% of employers struggle with finding and retaining employees,” he said.

“The jobs are here. What employers need are the workers to fill those jobs.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“The jobs are here. What employers need are the workers to fill those jobs.

“Connecticut’s fiscal health has not been this robust in decades, with record budget surpluses and a maxed-out rainy day fund.

“It’s that stable fiscal picture that gives us the foundation to address the labor shortage, lower the high cost of living, ease the tax burden on small businesses, and attract new residents to the state.”

The Transform Connecticut solutions, supported by a bipartisan group of 84 lawmakers—almost half the General Assembly—and a growing coalition of businesses and organizations, are specifically designed to:

• Lower the state’s cost of living
• Develop and provide more housing options
• Help residents struggling with student loans
• Remove workforce barriers, including the sales tax on training programs and occupational licensing restrictions
• Access hidden sources of talent such as legal immigration
• Ease the tax burden on small businesses and incentivize investment
• Promote Connecticut as a destination for businesses large and small

“We have a tremendous opportunity during this session to leverage the state’s many strengths to make our economy more vibrant, robust, and equitable,” noted CBIA vice president of public policy Eric Gjede. 

“Transforming Connecticut demands innovative, creative ideas and broad collaboration among all stakeholders, public and private sector alike. 

“It’s critical that we work together and build on the momentum of the last few years to develop a sustainable, opportunity economy that benefits all.”

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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 Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).