CBIA Response to March 2021 Employment Report

“The addition of 5,400 jobs in March is very good news,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said today. “We’ve now recovered 60% of the 292,400 jobs lost to COVID-19 restrictions last March and April.

“We’re encouraged to see three consecutive months of gains, although the significant loss of jobs last month in the trade, transportation, and utilities and professional and business services sectors is concerning.

“There are 90,000 fewer people employed in the private sector today than there were a year ago, and that must be a significant factor as the legislature moves through the budget writing process. 

“Employers are looking for lawmakers to show signs of predictability and stability, particularly with tax policy.

“Connecticut’s recovery from the pandemic should be about driving investment in our economy and doing everything possible to encourage job growth.

“We have a choice whether to continue to see this month-to-month job growth, or undermine it with bad policy. The last thing we need at this critical time are new tax burdens or labor mandates on struggling businesses and residents.”

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).