CBIA Reaction to Gov. Lamont’s State of the State Address

The state’s largest business organization today issued the following response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s State of the State Address. 

“The tax and spending choices we make over the legislative session will determine the long-term strength and viability of Connecticut’s economic recovery and job growth,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said. 

“Policymakers have a one-time opportunity to get things right and must use the state’s current fiscal health to make targeted investments to resolve the labor shortage, grow the economy and modernize state government.

“Budget adjustments must focus on the state’s long-term structural needs, building on the fiscal reforms and revenue gains of recent years to grow an economy with opportunities for all Connecticut residents.

“While the Governor’s budget proposals offer some measure of relief for individual taxpayers, that’s only part of the prescription for rebuilding the state’s economy.

“Connecticut’s economic recovery depends on the health of our small businesses, and these budget proposals do not offer nearly enough support for smaller employers, too many of whom are struggling.

“Small businesses desperately need help addressing the labor shortage, inflation, pending tax hikes to pay off the state’s unemployment fund debt, and numerous other challenges—that’s where policymakers must focus this session.

“We do welcome the Governor’s proposals to make additional investments in workforce development programs and to modernize and streamline state government services.

“However, we are concerned with his proposed use of one-time federal COVID-19 relief funds to increase the size and scope of government in other areas—that’s unsustainable, particularly when considering looming budget deficits after next year.

“Policymakers must also take full advantage of the $5.4 billion in federal funding for transportation and other infrastructure projects through the broad use of public-private partnerships and collaboration.”

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 Ali Warshavsky (860.244.1929).