CBIA Response to April 2025 Employment Report

The state’s largest business organization issued the following response to today’s release of the April 2025 employment report. 

“It’s a relief to see the turnaround for job growth in April after such a disappointing start to the year,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“We’re now back in the positive for the year, with a net 2,600 new jobs, while the labor force has also posted modest gains.

“However, we remain concerned about the underlying volatility in Connecticut’s job market, with data trends also indicating a real softening in economic conditions.

“Job openings declined for a second month in March, as they did across the country, and the unemployment rate has ticked up gradually over the past few months.

“We remain concerned about the underlying volatility in Connecticut’s job market, with data trends also indicating a real softening in economic conditions.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“Employment in Connecticut’s critical manufacturing sector has also declined by 2,100 over the past 12 months, despite more than 5,000 job openings.

“With just over two weeks remaining in the legislative session, it’s imperative that state policymakers focus on providing the stability, certainty, and predictability needed to navigate challenging times.

“For instance, the budget proposed by the legislature’s tax and spending committees is a self-inflicted wound with significant negative consequences.

“That budget not only weakens the fiscal guardrails, it adds almost $1 billion in new taxes on Connecticut employers at the worst possible time.

“Those tax hikes are completely unnecessary, with the proposed budget threatening the economic growth that Connecticut has enjoyed since adopting the fiscal guardrails.

“We must avoid new costly mandates, regulations, and taxes and pursue common sense policies that will make Connecticut a more affordable place to live and work.”

---

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).