CBIA Response to February 2021 Employment Report

“February’s employment numbers are a positive reflection of continued economic and job recovery in Connecticut,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said today.

“Today’s report shows the state gained 4,000 jobs so far in 2021, ticking our recovery rate up to 58% of the jobs lost due to the pandemic.

“We’ve been saying since the fall resurgence that Connecticut needed another federal stimulus package for businesses, a successful vaccine rollout, and warmer weather. With all three now here, we hope this employment recovery trend will sustain and gain momentum throughout the remainder of the year. 

“How Connecticut utilizes the latest federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will play a key role in determining the success of our recovery.

“It’s critical that policymakers use this funding to support and nurture recovery for businesses, municipalities, and residents that need it most.

“Connecticut must also step up—as other states have—and remove cost burdens and mandates on struggling businesses, including repaying federal debt on our strained unemployment system. 

“Employers are watching policymakers and legislators very closely over the next few months for signals that growth, investment, and job creation are truly a priority for Connecticut. 

“We are a national leader in vaccine distribution and safe reopening efforts. We now need to be a leader in economic and jobs recovery—we still have a ways to go.”

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).