We need to react quickly on this news. Many of the proposed legislative bills that we oppose could be voted on in the Finance Committee this coming Thursday, April 2nd. The current tax package being voted on will increase taxes by an estimated $2 billion. The following anti-business legislation will be included in this vote:
HB-6348 - Significantly restricts the ability of Connecticut companies to use corporate tax credits, thereby eliminating the effectiveness of credits.
HB-6349 - Extend the sales tax on services to all business and professional services.
HB-6350 - Eliminates all sales tax exemptions, including those for manufacturing machinery and equipment, materials used in the manufacturing process, intercompany transfers.
SB-807 - Mandates unitary reporting (reporting to CT for all a companies revenues, both inside and outside of CT) for all C corporations.
Please contact the members of the Finance Committee and your State senator and State representative (if they are not on the committee) as soon as possible. Make sure your voice is heard and let them know that these bills cannot be passed.
Please call the Chamber and speak with Jeff Rouleau at 203-757-0701 or by e-mail at jrouleau@waterburychamber.com if you have any questions about these bills.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Session moves on……….
Many harmful bills have been discussed in public hearings over the past month and these hearings are beginning to wind down which means they will be in committee’s for votes. This is why I urge you to make phone calls and send letters informing our elected officials why the following bills cannot be passed.
HB 6534 - Filed 2009-02-18AN ACT CONCERNING LABOR UNION AUTHORIZATION CARD CHECKS.
This bill, if passed, would strip workers of the protection of secret ballot elections in union organizing campaigns, restrict employers’ ability to have a fair say during union organizing campaigns and expand employment related class action litigation against employers.
SB 365 - Filed 2009-01-30AN ACT CONCERNING CAPTIVE AUDIENCE MEETINGS.
This bill is designed to prohibit an employer from coercing employees into attending or participating in meetings sponsored by the employer concerning their views on union organizing. This bill is defined as a bill that protects employees from employers that wants to impose political or religious views on them. In reality, this bill would only make it easier to unionize a company.
HB 6187 - Filed 2009-01-26AN ACT MANDATING EMPLOYERS PROVIDE PAID SICK LEAVE TO EMPLOYEES.
This act, if passed, would require employers with fifty or more employees provide six paid sick days to their employees for use for the employee's sickness, the employee's child's sickness, or to deal with sexual assault or family violence issues. This bill would increase an employer’s cost of doing business and handcuff their ability to design employment benefits that best fit their industry. This bill states that this will only affect businesses with 50 employees or more. But if passed this session, you can count on the same sponsoring legislators to come back next year with a bill that decreases the number of employees which would broaden the affected base.
HB 5514 - Filed 2009-01-21AN ACT MANDATING PAID SICK LEAVE.
This act, if passed, would force employers to give 1 hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked by the employee. This bill is yet another cost increase that would harm the ability to do business in Connecticut and make the state less competitive. This bill has received serious attention from both sides of the aisle and is presently the closest to being passed which is why we need to contact our Legislators and let them know why they should kill this bill.
HB 6188 - Filed 2009-01-26AN ACT CONCERNING STATE EMPLOYEES AND VIOLENCE AND BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE.
This bill would add language to the state of Connecticut’s policy concerning abusive conduct in the workplace. This addition would include abusive language, which does not seem to be a bad idea until you read the bill in its entirety. The term “Abusive Language” is not defined and vague. This will surely increase the number of discriminatory cases against the state along with litigation costs. This act will only affect state agencies, but if this bill is passed this year, you can count on it coming back next year to include the private sector.
HB 6035 - Filed 2009-01-23AN ACT RAISING THE THRESHOLD FOR PREVAILING WAGES.
This bill, if passed, would raise the threshold for prevailing wages and increase the cost of doing business.
SB 113 - Filed 2009-02-03AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.
This bill, if passed, would expand the availability of unemployment compensation benefits to displaced workers who obtain part-time employment. Unemployment compensation benefits would come at the expense of the original employer. Connecticut currently provides reduced unemployment compensation benefits for part-time workers who are actively seeking full-time employment. This bill would disregard the conflict of interest if passed. Also, unemployment compensation benefits are funded by the employers through contributions to the state Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. This fund is already under-funded due to the state’s jobless rate and will cost an estimated $500 million so make it solvent. Therefore, we cannot pass legislation that would make that number even higher. Lastly, this bill will encourage people to work part-time and collect unemployment compensation.
For more information on any of these bills please contact Jeffrey Rouleau at 203-757-0701 or by e-mail at jrouleau@waterburychamber.com.
HB 6534 - Filed 2009-02-18AN ACT CONCERNING LABOR UNION AUTHORIZATION CARD CHECKS.
This bill, if passed, would strip workers of the protection of secret ballot elections in union organizing campaigns, restrict employers’ ability to have a fair say during union organizing campaigns and expand employment related class action litigation against employers.
SB 365 - Filed 2009-01-30AN ACT CONCERNING CAPTIVE AUDIENCE MEETINGS.
This bill is designed to prohibit an employer from coercing employees into attending or participating in meetings sponsored by the employer concerning their views on union organizing. This bill is defined as a bill that protects employees from employers that wants to impose political or religious views on them. In reality, this bill would only make it easier to unionize a company.
HB 6187 - Filed 2009-01-26AN ACT MANDATING EMPLOYERS PROVIDE PAID SICK LEAVE TO EMPLOYEES.
This act, if passed, would require employers with fifty or more employees provide six paid sick days to their employees for use for the employee's sickness, the employee's child's sickness, or to deal with sexual assault or family violence issues. This bill would increase an employer’s cost of doing business and handcuff their ability to design employment benefits that best fit their industry. This bill states that this will only affect businesses with 50 employees or more. But if passed this session, you can count on the same sponsoring legislators to come back next year with a bill that decreases the number of employees which would broaden the affected base.
HB 5514 - Filed 2009-01-21AN ACT MANDATING PAID SICK LEAVE.
This act, if passed, would force employers to give 1 hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked by the employee. This bill is yet another cost increase that would harm the ability to do business in Connecticut and make the state less competitive. This bill has received serious attention from both sides of the aisle and is presently the closest to being passed which is why we need to contact our Legislators and let them know why they should kill this bill.
HB 6188 - Filed 2009-01-26AN ACT CONCERNING STATE EMPLOYEES AND VIOLENCE AND BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE.
This bill would add language to the state of Connecticut’s policy concerning abusive conduct in the workplace. This addition would include abusive language, which does not seem to be a bad idea until you read the bill in its entirety. The term “Abusive Language” is not defined and vague. This will surely increase the number of discriminatory cases against the state along with litigation costs. This act will only affect state agencies, but if this bill is passed this year, you can count on it coming back next year to include the private sector.
HB 6035 - Filed 2009-01-23AN ACT RAISING THE THRESHOLD FOR PREVAILING WAGES.
This bill, if passed, would raise the threshold for prevailing wages and increase the cost of doing business.
SB 113 - Filed 2009-02-03AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.
This bill, if passed, would expand the availability of unemployment compensation benefits to displaced workers who obtain part-time employment. Unemployment compensation benefits would come at the expense of the original employer. Connecticut currently provides reduced unemployment compensation benefits for part-time workers who are actively seeking full-time employment. This bill would disregard the conflict of interest if passed. Also, unemployment compensation benefits are funded by the employers through contributions to the state Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. This fund is already under-funded due to the state’s jobless rate and will cost an estimated $500 million so make it solvent. Therefore, we cannot pass legislation that would make that number even higher. Lastly, this bill will encourage people to work part-time and collect unemployment compensation.
For more information on any of these bills please contact Jeffrey Rouleau at 203-757-0701 or by e-mail at jrouleau@waterburychamber.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Governor Rell Calls for a Lean and Green Connecticut
Governor Rell spoke in front of the Legislature today to discuss her recommendation for the biennium budget for the FY 2010-2011 which was met with support. The Governor had a strong message through out the speech that called for less spending, less duplication, no tax increases and a leaner/smarter government. These are all great steps toward fixing the states economic issues.
Governor Rell stated that she wants to help municipalities and not cut funding which is vital to the well being of our cities and towns that feared the worst in the upcoming months. The word regionalism was used, not only to discuss the idea, but to actually put some recommendations into action by pooling resources and giving grants to towns that do so for equipment and other services. Another sigh of relief for our municipalities is a 2 year freeze on the unfunded in-school-suspension mandate which has a price tag of 2 million dollars to the City of Waterbury alone.
The Governor went on to talk about the loss of jobs in Connecticut being alarming and one of her main focuses will be getting people back to work, temporarily and permanently. Millions of dollars have been set aside in her budget to help with job training and development which is crucial in the next two years. Governor Rell spoke about bringing back the “CCC” (Civilian Conservation Corps) to Connecticut that was once used during the depression to provide employment and vocational training to the unemployed. Governor Rell’s version will be called “Connecticut Conservation Corps”.
The Governor declared that education is critical in a time like this and no funding cuts will be made. She went on to say that she will focus on the “middle college” system by getting community colleges and vocational school working together. This will allow young adults in high school to earn college credits.
Lastly, the business community and economic development is a top priority. Governor Rell stated that Connecticut needs to be competitive on a national level but more importantly in the northeast. Our neighboring states are looking at business tax increases to close the gaps in their budgets and if we can hold the line and stay where we are today we will be much more competitive for the future. This is all a relief but time will tell.
Governor Rell stated that she wants to help municipalities and not cut funding which is vital to the well being of our cities and towns that feared the worst in the upcoming months. The word regionalism was used, not only to discuss the idea, but to actually put some recommendations into action by pooling resources and giving grants to towns that do so for equipment and other services. Another sigh of relief for our municipalities is a 2 year freeze on the unfunded in-school-suspension mandate which has a price tag of 2 million dollars to the City of Waterbury alone.
The Governor went on to talk about the loss of jobs in Connecticut being alarming and one of her main focuses will be getting people back to work, temporarily and permanently. Millions of dollars have been set aside in her budget to help with job training and development which is crucial in the next two years. Governor Rell spoke about bringing back the “CCC” (Civilian Conservation Corps) to Connecticut that was once used during the depression to provide employment and vocational training to the unemployed. Governor Rell’s version will be called “Connecticut Conservation Corps”.
The Governor declared that education is critical in a time like this and no funding cuts will be made. She went on to say that she will focus on the “middle college” system by getting community colleges and vocational school working together. This will allow young adults in high school to earn college credits.
Lastly, the business community and economic development is a top priority. Governor Rell stated that Connecticut needs to be competitive on a national level but more importantly in the northeast. Our neighboring states are looking at business tax increases to close the gaps in their budgets and if we can hold the line and stay where we are today we will be much more competitive for the future. This is all a relief but time will tell.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
House Bill 5514 - AN ACT MANDATING PAID SICK LEAVE.
This act, if passed, would require that employers who have fifty or more employees provide up to six days of paid sick leave per year. We are OPPOSING this bill that would essentially handcuff businesses from making policy decisions for there workplace that is appropriate to the circumstances that the industry requires.
When reading about this bill it sounds like a great idea because the statement of purpose reads, “To improve the health of residents of Connecticut and to limit the transfer of infectious diseases in the workplace.”
In reality this legislation will make CT a less attractive place to do business.
When reading about this bill it sounds like a great idea because the statement of purpose reads, “To improve the health of residents of Connecticut and to limit the transfer of infectious diseases in the workplace.”
In reality this legislation will make CT a less attractive place to do business.
Gross Receipt Tax Exemption
A growing concern that I hear from our Manufacturers is the Gross Receipt Tax exemption which could be in jeopardy this session. The state is understandably looking at all possibilities when trying to close the deficit gap and rescinding the exemptions for manufacturers on the Gross Receipts tax (GRT) would be a HUGE MISTAKE.
The GRT is currently 7% of all gross earnings or receipts. If the legislature repeals this exemption for manufacturers, it will effectively add more than 7% to every manufacturer’s state taxes. Connecticut already has enough anti-business bills and proposals in place and we cannot afford to let this happen during these tough times.
As of now I am unaware of any proposed Bill of this kind but I will keep you posted once it is introduced.
The GRT is currently 7% of all gross earnings or receipts. If the legislature repeals this exemption for manufacturers, it will effectively add more than 7% to every manufacturer’s state taxes. Connecticut already has enough anti-business bills and proposals in place and we cannot afford to let this happen during these tough times.
As of now I am unaware of any proposed Bill of this kind but I will keep you posted once it is introduced.
Small Business Impact Analysis
House Bill 5930 - AN ACT REQUIRING SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT ANALYSES FOR PROPOSED REGULATIONS
This act if passed by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly would require state agencies to perform a small business impact analysis before adopting regulations so the impact of such regulations on small businesses may be meaningfully measured.
This is very important for our members and all small businesses in Connecticut and I would like to commend those legislators who introduced this Bill. This act will help us kill harmful legislation as it comes up in the session due to the fact that we will have real numbers for our elected officials to base their decisions on rather then estimates that are not dependable.
We will be tracking this throughout the session. This Bill was introduced by a number of legislators including our local Representative, Jeffrey Berger from the 73rd District.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
AN ACT REQUIRING A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS MANDATED IN THIS STATE.
If passed, this bill would establish an independent working group to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of existing health insurance benefits mandated in this state, and (2) require that a cost-benefit analysis be conducted prior to the implementation of any new health insurance mandate.
This legislation will allow a nonpartisan point of view on health insurance mandates that would harm businesses and give our legislators and Policy Maker’s tangible numbers to base their decisions on.
This legislation will allow a nonpartisan point of view on health insurance mandates that would harm businesses and give our legislators and Policy Maker’s tangible numbers to base their decisions on.
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