Tolls, Tweed and the cost of doing business in Connecticut were the hot topics for New Haven area business leaders this week.
On Thursday morning, five state lawmakers met with dozens of members of the business community at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s “Legislative Recap and Public Policy Summit” at the Union League Cafe.
The lawmakers included State Sens. Martin Looney (D-11) of New Haven; Leonard Fasano (R-34) of East Haven; Guilford’s Christine Cohen (D-12); and James Maroney (D-14) of Milford; as well as Guilford State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D-98).
Garrett Sheehan, chamber president, asked the lawmakers questions about the recently concluded legislative session, and then asked area business leaders for their input on what the chamber should focus on for its next legislative agenda.
Sheehan asked lawmakers about tolls on state highways, which lawmakers are expected to continue debating during a special session this summer.
Looney said the gas tax is not enough to cover infrastructure improvements. According to Looney, about 40 percent of traffic on the state’s highways is from out-of state-drivers who drive through the state, often without stopping to buy gas here.
“We do have to find a new funding source for transportation,” Looney said. “[Tolls] are a way to capture some revenue from people who use our highways, but don’t contribute.”
Looney noted how the state had tolls in place up until the mid-1980s. They were removed following a deadly 1983 crash at a toll plaza in Stratford. A tractor trailer collided with vehicles stopped at the plaza, causing an explosion and killing seven people.
Looney said he expects lawmakers will reach a resolution that involves “some tolls and bonding, but not necessarily universal tolling.”
“Now, we are talking about purely electronic tolls — nothing that would impede traffic,” Looney said.
Fasano told business leaders he is opposed to having tolls on the state’s highways.
“I am not in favor of tolls, which would be very burdensome on everyone in the state,” Fasano said.
Those attending the event also questioned lawmakers about the cost of doing business, specifically mentioning the recent decision to increase in the state’s hourly minimum wage. Over the next four and a half years, it will increase in increments until it reaches $15 per hour in June 2023.
Cohen said she is a business owner herself (she owns Cohen’s Bagel Co. in Madison), so the minimum wage issue impacted her also.
“We fought hard to have a progression, with steps, to make it more palatable,” Cohen said. “It’s a compromise. Ultimately, I think we landed in a good place.”
Fasano said changes to the minimum wage make Connecticut “not friendly to businesses.”
“Until we change, you will continue to see businesses leaving” Connecticut, he said.
Sheehan also asked lawmakers about their vision for improving the economy in the region. Maroney suggested creating more coworking spaces and incubators, and focusing on improving education. Looney, meanwhile, said he believes regional efforts are key, with more regional school districts and regional economic-development efforts.
Sheehan turned to the business community to ask what they would like the chamber to focus on for its legislative agenda for the 2020 session.
Those in attendance made a variety of suggestions, including the expansion of Tweed-New Haven Airport, improved rail service, and taxing electricity for electric vehicles.
Lawmakers had considered a proposal to expand the runway at Tweed, but ultimately never took action on it. The chamber has previously vowed to continue to push for it. The Tweed Airport Coalition’s website, at www.tweedairportcoalition.org, continues to collect petition signatures from supporters of an expanded airport.
“Tweed will be part of our agenda — I can promise that,” Sheehan said. “The business community is strongly supportive, and we look forward to working with you for a resolution.”
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com
