Waterbury Chamber Public Policy

URGENT! React fast before it’s to Late!

2009-04-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

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.

The Session moves on……….

2009-03-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Governor Rell Calls for a Lean and Green Connecticut

2009-02-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

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.

House Bill 5514 - AN ACT MANDATING PAID SICK LEAVE.

2009-01-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

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.

Gross Receipt Tax Exemption

2009-01-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

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.

Small Business Impact Analysis

2009-01-27T11:27:00.000-08:00

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.

AN ACT REQUIRING A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS MANDATED IN THIS STATE.

2009-01-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Local Option Taxes

2009-01-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Mayors and First Selectman have went to the state asking for the ability to tax income, retail sales and hotel fees on a local level!

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has once again gone to the state looking for ways to increase city revenue. This is a very difficult time in CT and most cities and towns are looking at large deficits. Although legislative action such as this would give local governments some relief, it will pose more stress on the business community that is already stretched thin and the Waterbury Regional Chamber will oppose this legislation. Currently 38 states permit local sales taxes, none of which are New England states, and hopefully we will not be the first.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities are also looking to the state to grant additional authorities such as imposing surcharges on city services to the residents and businesses.

As the session goes on we will keep a close eye on this legislation. This could be the year that the Governor and our Legislative Leaders are pressured to pass this legislation so your Chamber of Commerce will work hard to keep you informed and kill this bill.

Toll Roads in Connecticut could be a reality, Again!

2009-01-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

Connecticut’s Transportation Strategy Board (TSB), which is an independent board appointed by lawmakers and the governor, is charged with the task of creating and guiding Connecticut’s transportation strategy. The transportation research group, Cambridge Systematics, will deliver a document that lays out as many options as possible so the board can make informed recommendations to our legislators for the 2009 session.

This TSB is expected to make a descion whether they will support returning tolls to Connecticut’s highways as other states look to pay-to-drive lanes as a way to relieve congestion and help with infrastructure improvements on January 15th. According to the TSB, the tolls were removed from I-95 in 1985 and Gov. M. Jodi Rell has adamantly opposed returning them to use again. Critics have said it presents the possibility of turning the public highways into personal roads for the rich.

One possibility if tolls become a reality in CT would be using different types of lanes including creating high-occupancy toll, or HOT lanes. Federal and state officials are big proponents of HOT lanes, largely because they cost less and do not require new asphalt or the lengthy approval process for building or expanding new highways. HOT lanes allow people driving by themselves to pay a fee to use lanes reserved for carpoolers and buses, labeled high-occupancy vehicle lanes, or HOV lanes. The buses and carpoolers still drive in the HOV lanes for free. Tolling, especially through HOV lanes, is gaining in popularity in other parts of the country. But groups such as the AAA expressed some concern. “AAA believes that all roads should be toll-free. Where toll roads are utilized, reasonable alternative toll-free routes should always be available,” said Gregg Laskoski, spokesman for AAA South. HOT lanes are only appropriate if an existing car pool lane is underused and the change won’t contribute to congestion, he said.

Important Dates for the Connecticut General Assembly

2008-12-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

-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.

Manufacturer's Legislative Forum

2008-12-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

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.

An important new Act that will effect your business!

2008-08-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Please Help Kill This Bill!

2008-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

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/

No More Taxes!

2008-04-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

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

All CT Businesses Beware!

2008-04-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

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

Action Needed on Harmful Tax Bill

2008-04-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Paid Sick Leave Mandate

2008-03-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

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

HB05588- AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT BOARD.

2008-03-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Deadlines have Arrived

2008-03-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

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

Labor Committee considering harmful workers' comp proposals- March 4

2008-03-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

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.

New Brownfields Bill - HB-5586

2008-02-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

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.

SPLIT THE BILL!

2008-02-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Labor and Public Employees Committee Public Hearings

2008-02-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Committee Deadlines

2008-02-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008 Legislative Timeline Update

2008-02-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Public Policy Blog

2008-02-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

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.