CBIA Launches ‘Rebuilding Connecticut’ Pledge to Drive COVID-19 Recovery

Connecticut’s largest business organization is calling for elected officials, candidates for office, and all residents to support an economic and jobs policy package that will drive the state’s COVID-19 recovery.

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said the Rebuilding Connecticut pledge is part of a broad statewide campaign to raise awareness about the critical economic and job recovery issues the state faces.

DiPentima said the 11-point policy pledge is framed around a series of initiatives, including workforce development, urban renewal, infrastructure investment, small business relief, and delivering greater value to taxpayers.

“We’re asking elected officials and candidates for office to sign on and support these common sense policy ideas,” he said today.

“These initiatives will provide the revenue to support essential state services while creating a positive climate for growing jobs and driving critical investments in infrastructure and our cities.

“And they will help Connecticut employers—particularly struggling small businesses—manage the high costs of navigating COVID-19 restrictions, create and retain jobs, and lead the state’s economic recovery and growth for the benefit of everyone.”

More than 75 elected officials and candidates, representing a range of political parties, have already signed the pledge, which DiPentima said replaces CBIA’s traditional election candidate endorsement activities.

“The initial bipartisan response to the pledge has been very encouraging,” DiPentima said. “A successful economic and jobs recovery demands a change in thinking and a bipartisan approach.

“We know rebuilding Connecticut won’t be easy, but we’ve been through tough times before, and the people of Connecticut want to see all stakeholders working together.

“Let’s seize the moment to capitalize on the state’s many strengths and not only restore our economy, but make it more vibrant and robust than ever.”

The pledge has also attracted the early support of dozens of businesses and organizations and hundreds of state residents.

“We’re all in this together,” DiPentima said. “We need a new way of thinking, a collaborative approach that focuses on promoting and driving economic growth and job recovery.

“Let’s rebuild better and faster than other states. Let’s get people back to work.”

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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 Joe Budd (860.244.1951).