The CBIA this morning released its 2021 legislative session policy priorities, which focus on rebuilding Connecticut”™s economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said the organization”™s 2021 Policy Priorities, developed with the collaboration of residents and employers from around the state, provide the revenue to support essential state services while creating a positive climate for growing jobs and driving critical investments in infrastructure and Connecticut”™s cities.
“Connecticut has tremendous opportunities that we must capitalize on, that we cannot let pass by,” DiPentima said. “I am bullish on Connecticut, on the state”™s potential to bounce back from the pandemic, and realize its true potential.
“Despite the havoc of the pandemic, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about our state”™s future,” he added, citing an influx of residents, the state”™s “highly skilled, highly productive” workforce, and a record number of startups in 2020.
DiPentima also noted that the recent better-than-expected income tax projections, the state”™s third quarter GDP growth, and position as one of the leading states for recovering Covid-19 job losses reinforced that outlook.
“Nonetheless, we cannot lose sight of what”™s important,” he said. “We must continue the fiscal discipline of recent years that has seen revenue growth and a Rainy Day Fund that is now at historic highs.”
“That means nurturing a growing tax base ”” not imposing more tax hikes ”” and reducing costs so we can make the necessary investments in the state”™s future,” DiPentima said.
The policy recommendations were based on the framework of CBIA’s Rebuilding Connecticut campaign, which is supported by a bipartisan group of more than 50 state lawmakers and a growing coalition of hundreds of businesses and organizations.
“These policy ideas 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 all residents,” said Eric Gjede, CBIA”™s vice president for government affairs.