-January 7, 2009: Opening Day of the regular legislative session
(On this day, the legislature will adopt their joint operating rules. These rules will set the dates and deadlines for committee work for the next two years).
-Early February: Governor's Budget Address.
-June 3, 2009: Last Day of the regular legislative session.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Manufacturer's Legislative Forum
I recently attended the second annual Manufacturer's Legislative Forum hosted by CONNSTEP on December 3rd. At the forum several manufacturing organizations from across the state attended including the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut, New Haven Manufacturers Association, The Small Manufacturers Association of CT, Connecticut Association of Metal finishing, Connecticut tooling and Machining Association and CBIA. Also attending the forum to learn about the issues were 4 of our local legislators: Senator Gary Lebeau (D-3), Representative Beth Bye (D-19), Representative Selim Noujaim (R-74) and the “Freshman” Representative Matthew Lesser who will be representing the 100th district.
The issues were clear as the presenters made their case. Energy, workforce development, and harmful legislation needed to be addressed this legislative session or this failing economy will see new lows that will cripple our state. Each of the organizations stood up and spoke about the potential expanded workers comp benefits and paid sick leave bills that threaten them every session. It was very apparent that this session will be a wild one. We need to all work together and reach out to our legislators to let them know how we feel, otherwise we cannot hold them accountable.
Here are a few interesting stats that I would like to share with you which gave perspective to the importance of manufacturing. Please feel free to share these with your legislators when speaking to them about harmful legislation. These statistics are from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.
-In 2007, there were 191,400 employees in Connecticut’s manufacturing sector which represents 13.3% of all private, non-farm employees in the state.
-From 2000 to 2007, the state's average manufacturing wage increased from $54,488 to $69,360.-Connecticut’s manufacturing sector was 4th most productive of all 50 states in 2007.
-Manufacturers in Connecticut paid $171 million in sales and use tax in 2007 and their employers paid nearly $580 million in personal income tax in 2006.
-Every manufacturing job in Connecticut creates 3-5 service other sector jobs.
In closing, the legislators were very clear that this session will be a difficult one with the national economy in a recession and the state'ss budget woes. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone reaches out, makes phone calls and send letters to inform their local legislators about the issues and what will directly hurt your company.
The issues were clear as the presenters made their case. Energy, workforce development, and harmful legislation needed to be addressed this legislative session or this failing economy will see new lows that will cripple our state. Each of the organizations stood up and spoke about the potential expanded workers comp benefits and paid sick leave bills that threaten them every session. It was very apparent that this session will be a wild one. We need to all work together and reach out to our legislators to let them know how we feel, otherwise we cannot hold them accountable.
Here are a few interesting stats that I would like to share with you which gave perspective to the importance of manufacturing. Please feel free to share these with your legislators when speaking to them about harmful legislation. These statistics are from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.
-In 2007, there were 191,400 employees in Connecticut’s manufacturing sector which represents 13.3% of all private, non-farm employees in the state.
-From 2000 to 2007, the state's average manufacturing wage increased from $54,488 to $69,360.-Connecticut’s manufacturing sector was 4th most productive of all 50 states in 2007.
-Manufacturers in Connecticut paid $171 million in sales and use tax in 2007 and their employers paid nearly $580 million in personal income tax in 2006.
-Every manufacturing job in Connecticut creates 3-5 service other sector jobs.
In closing, the legislators were very clear that this session will be a difficult one with the national economy in a recession and the state'ss budget woes. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone reaches out, makes phone calls and send letters to inform their local legislators about the issues and what will directly hurt your company.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
An important new Act that will effect your business!
Effective October 1, 2008, Connecticut will have a new law that requires business entities and individuals who obtain “personal information” about another person to safeguard and properly dispose of it. This new statute, Connecticut Public Act 08-167 entitled “An Act Concerning the Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers” will require action on the part of most businesses and many individuals. The Act specifically requires business entities and individuals to protect personal information, which is defined as any information that associates a particular individual with a unique identifier such as: a Social Security number, a driver’s license number, a state identification card number, an account number, a credit or debit card number, a passport number, an alien registration number, or a health insurance identification number. Personal information does not include information that is lawfully available to the general public from government records or widely distributed media.
This Act gives spesific attention to Social Security numbers. It requires any person who collects Social Security numbers “in the course of business” to establish and publicly display a “privacy protection policy.” The Act does not provide a sample privacy protection policy nor is there guidance other than that the policy must: (1) protect the confidentiality of Social Security numbers, (2) prohibit unlawful disclosure of Social Security numbers, and (3) limit access to Social Security numbers.
If this Act is not followed it could provide civil penalties of $500 for each violation, up to a maximum of $500,000 for any single event. These penalties only apply in the case of intentional violations, the Act may put one in the position of having to prove that an action was unintentional.
The Act impacts all businesses that collect Social Security numbers and other personal information. The fact that all businesses that have employees must collect Social Security numbers in order to deduct FICA and other employment taxes means that all businesses must develop and follow the requirements of the new Act. The Department of Consumer Protection will be primarily responsible for enforcing the Act although certain State agencies that issue licenses, registrations or certificates will be responsible for their own enforcement.
This Act gives spesific attention to Social Security numbers. It requires any person who collects Social Security numbers “in the course of business” to establish and publicly display a “privacy protection policy.” The Act does not provide a sample privacy protection policy nor is there guidance other than that the policy must: (1) protect the confidentiality of Social Security numbers, (2) prohibit unlawful disclosure of Social Security numbers, and (3) limit access to Social Security numbers.
If this Act is not followed it could provide civil penalties of $500 for each violation, up to a maximum of $500,000 for any single event. These penalties only apply in the case of intentional violations, the Act may put one in the position of having to prove that an action was unintentional.
The Act impacts all businesses that collect Social Security numbers and other personal information. The fact that all businesses that have employees must collect Social Security numbers in order to deduct FICA and other employment taxes means that all businesses must develop and follow the requirements of the new Act. The Department of Consumer Protection will be primarily responsible for enforcing the Act although certain State agencies that issue licenses, registrations or certificates will be responsible for their own enforcement.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Please Help Kill This Bill!
House Bill - 5606 "An Act Prohibiting The Storage or Toxic Waste
Near Residential Properties"
The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the storage or disposal of toxic waste at a site abutting residential property. The problem with this legislation is it does not define what "Toxic Waste" is considered. Due to the fact that this act is not defined we cannot allow this legislation to pass.
Another reason to be alarmed is this will also drastically impact the success of the Brownfield legislation we have fought so hard for over the past 3 three years.
The Environmental Committee has passed this bill and is now moving to Appropriations. Now that this bill is with Appropriations we need to make sure our voice is heard. Please reach out to our legislators and let them know that you are opposing this bill.
Here is the Link to the Appropriations Committee
http://www.cga.ct.gov/app/
Near Residential Properties"
The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the storage or disposal of toxic waste at a site abutting residential property. The problem with this legislation is it does not define what "Toxic Waste" is considered. Due to the fact that this act is not defined we cannot allow this legislation to pass.
Another reason to be alarmed is this will also drastically impact the success of the Brownfield legislation we have fought so hard for over the past 3 three years.
The Environmental Committee has passed this bill and is now moving to Appropriations. Now that this bill is with Appropriations we need to make sure our voice is heard. Please reach out to our legislators and let them know that you are opposing this bill.
Here is the Link to the Appropriations Committee
http://www.cga.ct.gov/app/
Thursday, April 17, 2008
No More Taxes!
HB-5844 "An Act Dedicating Certain Moneys to Fund the State Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Programs and Establishing a Sales Tax on Delivery Services"
This bill if passed will impose a sales tax on all delivery services. The revenue collected will go to help fund the state Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) programs for state-owned property, private colleges and hospitals.
Please contact your legislators and help us kill this bill. The Connecticut business climate is already hard to sell and this legislation will only make it harder.
If you have any questions please contact me, Jeff Rouleau at 757-0701 or by e-mail at Jrouleau@waterburychamber.com
This bill if passed will impose a sales tax on all delivery services. The revenue collected will go to help fund the state Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) programs for state-owned property, private colleges and hospitals.
Please contact your legislators and help us kill this bill. The Connecticut business climate is already hard to sell and this legislation will only make it harder.
If you have any questions please contact me, Jeff Rouleau at 757-0701 or by e-mail at Jrouleau@waterburychamber.com
Monday, April 14, 2008
All CT Businesses Beware!
With 23 days to go before this year’s short session draws to an end we have several harmful bills that "have legs" and need to be killed. This is where you, the Connecticut resident or business owner, need to step up and speak your mind!
Senate Bill- 217 "Paid Sick Leave"
This proposed legislation handcuffs a business when it comes to creating time off policies that best fit the company. This mandate is a one-size-fits-all frame of mind that makes Connecticut less attractive for future business. The flexibility to determine which time off policies work best for the company will be taken away by requiring all employers of 25 or more employees to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave each year, regardless of their existing paid time off benefit structure, workforce demands or type of industry.
Senate Bill- 64 "SCARRING AWARDS UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION"
This bill if passed will allow injured workers to receive benefits for scars occurring on the body, regardless of their impact on the person’s ability to earn a living. The proposal would expand workers’ compensation benefits beyond fiscally responsible levels and cause employers’ labor costs to significantly increase. The Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates that by 2010 we will go from 21 claims (2007) to 200 claims with a price tag of one million dollars out of the employer’s pocket.
Senate Bill 255 "ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR WAGE LOSS UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION”
This Legislation will increase discretionary benefits for injured workers up to the maximum allowable amount for any reason and regardless of the extent of injury. The Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates that this measure will cost the state between $1.3 and $4.3 million beginning in Year 2010 and astonishingly will cost the private sector an estimated $527 million in the first year alone.
Please take the time to write a letter or e-mail to your Legislator to let them know that this type of legislation will put Connecticut's economy at a strong disadvantage. If you would like address please send me a e-mail at jrouleau@waterburychamber.com
Senate Bill- 217 "Paid Sick Leave"
This proposed legislation handcuffs a business when it comes to creating time off policies that best fit the company. This mandate is a one-size-fits-all frame of mind that makes Connecticut less attractive for future business. The flexibility to determine which time off policies work best for the company will be taken away by requiring all employers of 25 or more employees to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave each year, regardless of their existing paid time off benefit structure, workforce demands or type of industry.
Senate Bill- 64 "SCARRING AWARDS UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION"
This bill if passed will allow injured workers to receive benefits for scars occurring on the body, regardless of their impact on the person’s ability to earn a living. The proposal would expand workers’ compensation benefits beyond fiscally responsible levels and cause employers’ labor costs to significantly increase. The Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates that by 2010 we will go from 21 claims (2007) to 200 claims with a price tag of one million dollars out of the employer’s pocket.
Senate Bill 255 "ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR WAGE LOSS UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION”
This Legislation will increase discretionary benefits for injured workers up to the maximum allowable amount for any reason and regardless of the extent of injury. The Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates that this measure will cost the state between $1.3 and $4.3 million beginning in Year 2010 and astonishingly will cost the private sector an estimated $527 million in the first year alone.
Please take the time to write a letter or e-mail to your Legislator to let them know that this type of legislation will put Connecticut's economy at a strong disadvantage. If you would like address please send me a e-mail at jrouleau@waterburychamber.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
Action Needed on Harmful Tax Bill
The Chamber is calling action on Senate Bill 701!
SB 701 would allow the local governments in 18 “targeted investment communities” (TIC's) to exempt the first $100,000 in assessed value from most residential properties in computing the local property tax. Waterbury is labeled as a Targeted Investment Communities.
Known as a “homestead exemption,” this proposal would shift millions of dollars in taxes onto commercial and industrial taxpayers. The idea has been around a long time and every session the bill has been rejected by the legislature because of the impact it would have on municipalities that adopted it. The resulting increase in the mill rate would undoubtedly affect manufacturers that still make up an important part of Waterbury. Larger Manufacturers might get by but as we know in the Brass city most of shops are small to midsize manufacturer that might not survive. This bill has steam behind it because the proponents feel that just because the Legislation is in place does not mean the towns have to enact the tax exemption. We know that taxpayer groups and other advocates will fight for enactment and if done the businesses in our towns will pack it up and move elsewhere. This legislation will do nothing but hurt our city and state because once these 18 towns get the exemption every other town will push for it.
It is better that municipalities are never given the chance to adopt the exemption and that towns find other ways to grant relief to all taxpayers.
SB 701 would allow the local governments in 18 “targeted investment communities” (TIC's) to exempt the first $100,000 in assessed value from most residential properties in computing the local property tax. Waterbury is labeled as a Targeted Investment Communities.
Known as a “homestead exemption,” this proposal would shift millions of dollars in taxes onto commercial and industrial taxpayers. The idea has been around a long time and every session the bill has been rejected by the legislature because of the impact it would have on municipalities that adopted it. The resulting increase in the mill rate would undoubtedly affect manufacturers that still make up an important part of Waterbury. Larger Manufacturers might get by but as we know in the Brass city most of shops are small to midsize manufacturer that might not survive. This bill has steam behind it because the proponents feel that just because the Legislation is in place does not mean the towns have to enact the tax exemption. We know that taxpayer groups and other advocates will fight for enactment and if done the businesses in our towns will pack it up and move elsewhere. This legislation will do nothing but hurt our city and state because once these 18 towns get the exemption every other town will push for it.
It is better that municipalities are never given the chance to adopt the exemption and that towns find other ways to grant relief to all taxpayers.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Paid Sick Leave Mandate
State lawmakers continue to advance a government “one-size-fits-all” approach to mandating paid sick leave that will increase business costs, cause workplace disruptions and potentially hurt employees instead of help them.
Approved by the Labor Committee, SB-217 requires employers of 25 or more employees to provide paid sick leave at a minimum of one hour for every 40 hours worked, with unlimited and indefinite carryover to future years.
This will particularly hit many service industry employers and seasonal companies — ironically, the ones who can least afford to give significant time off.
According to a recent CBIA membership survey, 87% of employers said government-mandated paid sick leave would harm their businesses.
Companies need the flexibility to determine which time-off policies work best for their workforce. Many businesses, including those that rely on a part-time or a seasonal workforce, would be put at an operational and competitive disadvantage if the proposal were to be enacted.
While praised for how well its employers take care of their employees, Connecticut was also recently ranked last in the U.S. for how its state government affects the business climate, according to Expansion Management magazine.
Proposals such as SB-217 only make the situation worse, especially during an economic downturn so please contact your legislator's and let them know how you feel. If you have any questions please contact Jeff Rouleau at the Chamber. jrouleau@waterburychamber.com or by phone 203-757-0701
Approved by the Labor Committee, SB-217 requires employers of 25 or more employees to provide paid sick leave at a minimum of one hour for every 40 hours worked, with unlimited and indefinite carryover to future years.
This will particularly hit many service industry employers and seasonal companies — ironically, the ones who can least afford to give significant time off.
According to a recent CBIA membership survey, 87% of employers said government-mandated paid sick leave would harm their businesses.
Companies need the flexibility to determine which time-off policies work best for their workforce. Many businesses, including those that rely on a part-time or a seasonal workforce, would be put at an operational and competitive disadvantage if the proposal were to be enacted.
While praised for how well its employers take care of their employees, Connecticut was also recently ranked last in the U.S. for how its state government affects the business climate, according to Expansion Management magazine.
Proposals such as SB-217 only make the situation worse, especially during an economic downturn so please contact your legislator's and let them know how you feel. If you have any questions please contact Jeff Rouleau at the Chamber. jrouleau@waterburychamber.com or by phone 203-757-0701
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
HB05588- AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT BOARD.
One of the Chamber's initiatives on our Legislative agenda is to provide additional support to the NRWIB and so far this bill has moved favorably. It passed through the Commerce Committee with a 18-3 vote and has been filed to the Legislative Commissioners office. Obviously we all know how important workforce training is to our region and state so I am pretty sure this bill will move with ease.
HB05883 - AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE SILAS BRONSON LIBRARY, FOR WATERBURY INDUSTRIAL COMMONS, AND AMENDING THE URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL SITE REINVE
This bill, which was raised in the Commerce Committee, will provide 15 million dollars in funding for the Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury as well as 15 million dollars for the clean up and redevelopment of the Waterbury Industrial Commons. Once cleaned up, the Industrial Commons site will become home to the Public Works Department as well as develop 2 large pad sites for future use. If these sites are leased, the city will receive an estimated 1.5 million dollars in rent and save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars when the Public Works Department is moved.
On Tuesday, March 11th, the Mayor, Steve Sasala, Leo Frank and many others went to testify in front of the Commerce Committee for this Bill.
On Tuesday, March 11th, the Mayor, Steve Sasala, Leo Frank and many others went to testify in front of the Commerce Committee for this Bill.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Deadlines have Arrived
The following committees have reached their JF Deadlines which means the committees must report their bills out of their committee. This is when things get interesting and the bills start dying or collecting steam. Keep an eye on the Chamber's Bill tracker to see what is going on with our Bills.
Transportation Committee
Program Review and Investigations Committee
Committee on Aging
Banks Committee
Select Committee on Children
Select Committee on Housing
Public Safety and Security
Committee on Veterans Affairs
Transportation Committee
Program Review and Investigations Committee
Committee on Aging
Banks Committee
Select Committee on Children
Select Committee on Housing
Public Safety and Security
Committee on Veterans Affairs
Monday, March 3, 2008
Labor Committee considering harmful workers' comp proposals- March 4
The following bills will be up for public hearing in front of the Labor Committee on March 4th. If anyone has an interest in going to the legislative office building please let me know and I could get more information on where to be and what timethe hearing will start.
SB-255: EXPANSION OF DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS
This Bill would increase workers' compensation benefits and costs for employers by increasing the amount of money awarded as discretionary benefits. According to the state’s workers' comp insurance rating bureau, this bill could increase workers’ comp costs for the average employer by more than 50%.
SB-57: EMPLOYER ASSISTANCE WITH WORKERS' COMP FORMS
This bill Requires employers to provide and assist employees with the forms necessary to file a workers' comp claim upon notice of injury. If enacted, this proposal will increase the number of claims filed.
SB-63: POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AS A WORKERS' COMP CLAIM
Allows a mental/emotional disorder related to work with no associated physical injury to be considered a workers' compensation claim. Given the ever-increasing number of mental diagnoses and emotional disorders today, this legislation will significantly increase the number of claims against employers.
SB-64: EXPANSION OF SCARRING BENEFITS
Back again from last year, this bill expands benefits for scars and disfigurement to include scars anywhere on the body, regardless of their impact on earning capacity.
HB-5334: TIMELY MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR INJURED WORKERS
This Bill if passed would Penalize employers for delays in medical treatment for injured workers in instances where the employer challenges a recommendation for medical treatment.
SB-255: EXPANSION OF DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS
This Bill would increase workers' compensation benefits and costs for employers by increasing the amount of money awarded as discretionary benefits. According to the state’s workers' comp insurance rating bureau, this bill could increase workers’ comp costs for the average employer by more than 50%.
SB-57: EMPLOYER ASSISTANCE WITH WORKERS' COMP FORMS
This bill Requires employers to provide and assist employees with the forms necessary to file a workers' comp claim upon notice of injury. If enacted, this proposal will increase the number of claims filed.
SB-63: POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AS A WORKERS' COMP CLAIM
Allows a mental/emotional disorder related to work with no associated physical injury to be considered a workers' compensation claim. Given the ever-increasing number of mental diagnoses and emotional disorders today, this legislation will significantly increase the number of claims against employers.
SB-64: EXPANSION OF SCARRING BENEFITS
Back again from last year, this bill expands benefits for scars and disfigurement to include scars anywhere on the body, regardless of their impact on earning capacity.
HB-5334: TIMELY MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR INJURED WORKERS
This Bill if passed would Penalize employers for delays in medical treatment for injured workers in instances where the employer challenges a recommendation for medical treatment.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
New Brownfields Bill - HB-5586
This new proposal would establish an account to be known as the "brownfields remediation and redevelopment account" which shall be a separate from the General Fund. The funds will go through the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development for providing necessary staff positions and interagency cooperation to recapture brownfield sites determined by the commissioner to be lost economic assets across the state.
We are requesting that a sum of seventy-five million dollars is appropriated to the Department of Economic and Community Development, from the General Fund, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
We are requesting that a sum of seventy-five million dollars is appropriated to the Department of Economic and Community Development, from the General Fund, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
SPLIT THE BILL!
Yesterday the Brownfield Taskforce along with the local Delegation decided that the brownfield bill that we are all behind needs to be more straightforward. As a result the bill has been broken into two pieces. The first bill contains the financing piece that will pay for staff & administration and the actual funding of sites. The second part of the bill contains the recommendations of the Tasks Force which entails organizational coordination, incentives and the funding programs.
The reason for this decision is because the initial bill was so large and detailed there was fear that it might kill the legislation or spoil the efforts. Simplifying the bill can only help at this point. As I find out more information I will post a BLOG. Please feel free to post comments about this latest news.
The reason for this decision is because the initial bill was so large and detailed there was fear that it might kill the legislation or spoil the efforts. Simplifying the bill can only help at this point. As I find out more information I will post a BLOG. Please feel free to post comments about this latest news.
Labor and Public Employees Committee Public Hearings
The following bills will be open for public hearing on February 26th by the Labor and Public Employees Committee:
HB05105 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM WAGE
-To increase the minimum wage to eight dollars per hour.
The Chamber opposes this bill!
HB05108 AN ACT CONCERNING INVESTMENTS IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND INCUMBENT WORKER TRAINING
-To appropriate funds to develop job opportunities for unemployed or underemployed workers and to provide additional skill training for incumbent employees.
The Chamber supports this bill.
HB05112 AN ACT CONCERNING THE RETENTION OF STATE JOBS
-To establish a task force with the purpose of monitoring state contracts for their use of Connecticut and United States businesses.
HB05114 AN ACT CONCERNING PAYMENT OF WAGES TO EMPLOYEES BY PAY CARD
-To allow employees to elect to receive payment for their wages through negotiable check if using an electronic pay arrangement will result in account charges for withdrawal of funds owed to employees.
SB00060 AN ACT CONCERNING BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
-To provide a private right of action against bullying in the workplace.
SB00166 AN ACT REQUIRING A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS MANDATED IN THIS STATE.
-To require the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of health insurance benefits mandated in this state.
SB00217 AN ACT MANDATING EMPLOYERS PROVIDE PAID SICK LEAVE TO EMPLOYEES
-To require certain employers to provide certain full-time employees the right to accumulate and use paid sick leave.
SB00310 AN ACT CLARIFYING THE SALE OF SPECIAL HEALTH CARE PLANS FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS
-To clarify that the Health Reinsurance Association is the sole entity offering special health care plans, and to make minor technical revisions to the insurance statutes.
HB05105 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM WAGE
-To increase the minimum wage to eight dollars per hour.
The Chamber opposes this bill!
HB05108 AN ACT CONCERNING INVESTMENTS IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND INCUMBENT WORKER TRAINING
-To appropriate funds to develop job opportunities for unemployed or underemployed workers and to provide additional skill training for incumbent employees.
The Chamber supports this bill.
HB05112 AN ACT CONCERNING THE RETENTION OF STATE JOBS
-To establish a task force with the purpose of monitoring state contracts for their use of Connecticut and United States businesses.
HB05114 AN ACT CONCERNING PAYMENT OF WAGES TO EMPLOYEES BY PAY CARD
-To allow employees to elect to receive payment for their wages through negotiable check if using an electronic pay arrangement will result in account charges for withdrawal of funds owed to employees.
SB00060 AN ACT CONCERNING BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
-To provide a private right of action against bullying in the workplace.
SB00166 AN ACT REQUIRING A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS MANDATED IN THIS STATE.
-To require the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of health insurance benefits mandated in this state.
SB00217 AN ACT MANDATING EMPLOYERS PROVIDE PAID SICK LEAVE TO EMPLOYEES
-To require certain employers to provide certain full-time employees the right to accumulate and use paid sick leave.
SB00310 AN ACT CLARIFYING THE SALE OF SPECIAL HEALTH CARE PLANS FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS
-To clarify that the Health Reinsurance Association is the sole entity offering special health care plans, and to make minor technical revisions to the insurance statutes.
Committee Deadlines
The Committee deadlines for raising, hearing and acting on bills vary by Committee. Here are some important Committees that you should be aware of.
Committee: Commerce
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 3/4/08
Committee E-Mail: Commerce Committee
Committee: Finance
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 3/20/08
Committee E-Mail: Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee
Committee: Human Services
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 3/4/08
Committee E-Mail: Human Services Committee
Committee: Labor
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 2/28/08
Committee E-Mail: Labor and Public Employees Committee
Committee: Commerce
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 3/4/08
Committee E-Mail: Commerce Committee
Committee: Finance
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 3/20/08
Committee E-Mail: Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee
Committee: Human Services
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 3/4/08
Committee E-Mail: Human Services Committee
Committee: Labor
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 2/28/08
Committee E-Mail: Labor and Public Employees Committee
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
2008 Legislative Timeline Update
In even numbered years, the Legislature conducts a “short session.” The short session is two months shorter than the “long” session so the timeline for action and especially for public hearings is condensed.
The Committee deadlines for raising, hearing and acting on bills vary by Committee
Committee: Environment
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 3/3/08
Committee E-Mail: Environment
Committee: Planing and Development
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 2/29/08
Committee E-Mail: Planning & Development
Committee: Transportation
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 2/25/08
Committee E-Mail: Transportation
Committee: Energy & Technology
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 2/26/08
Committee E-Mail: Energy & Technology
For other dealines the Legislative Commissioners’ Office provides a table of all committee's at http://www.cga.ct.gov/lco/XLS/Committee_Deadlines_Current_Year.pdf.
The Committee deadlines for raising, hearing and acting on bills vary by Committee
Committee: Environment
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 3/3/08
Committee E-Mail: Environment
Committee: Planing and Development
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 2/29/08
Committee E-Mail: Planning & Development
Committee: Transportation
Raised Bill: 2/22/08
Public Hearing: 2/25/08
Committee E-Mail: Transportation
Committee: Energy & Technology
Raised Bill: 2/21/08
Public Hearing: 2/26/08
Committee E-Mail: Energy & Technology
For other dealines the Legislative Commissioners’ Office provides a table of all committee's at http://www.cga.ct.gov/lco/XLS/Committee_Deadlines_Current_Year.pdf.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Public Policy Blog
Welcome to the first ever Waterbury Regional Chamber Public Policy Blog. This is where you can learn about what we are working on throughout the year and post comments and suggestion on a Bill or an issue. During the legislative session I will also be posting public hearing dates and times so if their is a issue that you would like to testify on you will know when and where.
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