Hundreds of Connecticut business owners will converge at the state Capitol this week with a simple message for lawmakers: Fix the business climate.
As many as 300 business leaders from around the state are expected to attend the annual Connecticut Business Day at the state legislature Wednesday, where state tax and fiscal policies, and labor, healthcare, energy and environmental issues are expected to dominate the conversation.
The event, sponsored by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and the Connecticut Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives, comes at a crucial time for the state’s business community as lawmakers begin debate on Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s proposal to close a $3.2 billion budget deficit through spending cuts, union concessions and $1.5 billion in tax increases.
That budget has received mixed reviews from corporate Connecticut so far drawing concerns that the two-year spending plan relies too heavily on tax increases.
“People are very concerned about the direction of the state of Connecticut,” said Joseph Brennan, the chief lobbyist for the CBIA.
Brennan said businesses would like to see further spending cuts in the budget, and there are concerns that the tax increases will hamper the state’s anemic economic recovery.
But Brennan also said he is happy with the tone Malloy has taken so far that Connecticut is open for business. He also credits the governor for proposing to consolidate state agencies, something Democratic lawmakers have resisted in recent years.
“The message the governor has been sending has been a positive one,” Brennan said. “The fact that he’s out all the time speaking to businesses and business groups is a good thing.”
Brennan said the anti-business rhetoric from state lawmakers has diminished somewhat this year, but there is still talk about big business not paying their fair share. And just last week democratic lawmaker’s revived the controversial paid sick leave bill, which the CBIA and many in the business community strongly oppose.
“Ultimately actions from the legislature will speak louder than words,” Brennan said.
At Wednesday’s event, Malloy is expected to address business leaders at 9 a.m. Following the governor’s address, Senate Republican Leader John McKinney and House Republican Leader Larry Cafero will discuss their caucuses’ priorities for the state.
At 10:15 a.m. business leaders will meet with state legislators to discuss how various tax plans, labor bills and other proposals would affect their companies, including impacts on business investments and employment levels.
