What would do the most to improve Connecticut’s competitiveness for business? Connecticut climbed five spots to 23rd in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business rankings, its strongest showing in years. The state placed fourth for education and fifth for quality of life, but 40th for cost of doing business and 44th for cost of living. Lowering energy and utility costs Reducing taxes on employers Faster permitting and approvals Housing affordability Other ResultsVote