Legislative Meetings
May 06, 2010, Legislative session report from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Comerce Government Affairs Committee
The 2010 Legislative Session adjourned at midnight on May 5 with legislators adopting a revised $19 billion budget to address the $700+ million deficit for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. To achieve this, legislators relied on deferring payment to the state pension fund, receipt of federal stimulus funds and spending cuts. There were no new taxes or tax increases. Also absent was the oft-mentioned consolidation of state agencies and commissions, privatization of state services, early retirement incentive plan for state employees or additional union concessions. Looking forward to next year, legislators will face challenges crafting a budget to address the $4 billion deficit projected for FY 2012.
Following is a summary of the fate of some of the most heavily lobbied bills. A comprehensive review of the 2010 Legislative Session is being compiled and will be available shortly. Thank you to all who reached out to members of the General Assembly. Your efforts made a difference.
The Following Bills were OPPOSED by GNHCC and FAILED to pass:
General Workplace : SB 61 Bill would have raised workers' compensation costs significantly by taking away an employers' ability to pre-approve routine medical examinations and treatments in workers' compensation cases;
SB 63 Bill would have required employers with 50 or more employees to provide 1 hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked after a 120-day period; SB 242 Bill would have prevented Connecticut employers from doing business with entities outside of Connecticut, regardless of cost savings; SB 417 Bill would have penalized employers trying to stay competitive by contracting with out of state businesses.
Healthcare: SB 194 Bill established prior rate approval processes for individual health insurance policies that could have effectively killed the individual health insurance market in the state; HB 5009 Bill required a multitude of new or expanded health benefits to be covered under employer health insurance plans.
Taxes: SB 485 Bill discarded the current corporate income tax structure and replaced it with a mandatory "unitary tax" combined reporting system, aimed at companies and industries in Connecticut with multiple locations in the U.S., raising their higher taxes and administrative costs. HB 5534 Bill established a "Revenue Accountability Commission" consisting of representatives from labor, non-profits and businesses to review state revenues and suggest changes.
The Following Bill was OPPOSED by GNHCC and PASSED*:
Energy : SB 493 Bill expands state government's role in electricity markets by restructuring the DPUC to create new divisions within the agency and apply strict measures to the competitive marketplace. Bill will increase the already high cost of electricity for Connecticut ratepayers (Connecticut is second in cost behind Hawaii).
*Awaiting action by the Governor; may be vetoed.
The Following Bills were SUPPORTED by GNHCC and PASSED :
Economic Development : HB 5208 Bill includes several measures to streamline components of the permitting process and improve the efficiency of the DEP while protecting the environment. HB 5028 Bill establishes a task force to study creative industry clusters to boost arts and culture and add to the state's economy, tourism, and job growth. HB 5435 "Jobs bill" helps Connecticut's small businesses by creating: a small-business assistance revolving loan program; a pilot program to help manufacturing companies implement green and lean strategies; and an angel investor program to encourage growing companies; HB 5500 Bill launches a Small Business Advisory Board to help small businesses navigate state economic development agencies more efficiently and successfully.
October 22, 2008, DeLauro Holds Economic Forum
North Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) hosted an economic forum on moving our economy forward and how Connecticut and the country can get out of this recession, create jobs and develop plan for long-term growth. Unemployment in CT is at 6.1%. The second highest in New England behind Rhode Island.
“Families in Connecticut and across the country continue to struggle with rising costs, weakened retirement security, and increased unemployment. That is what this forum is about, starting the conversation about what we need to do to get our economy moving again,” said DeLauro. “Part of that is a new job creating recovery package to invest in our middle-class, our small businesses and strengthen our economy as a whole. The recovery package should include increased federal funds for bridges and other transportation projects, and becoming more energy efficient, as well as additional funds to the states and localities to prevent cuts in critical programs, a permanent tax cut for lower- and middle-income families, an extension of unemployment benefits, and increased money for food stamps.”
A panel of experts joined DeLauro. This includes Ed Deak, Ph.D., Professor with the Department of Economics, Fairfield University; Jamison Scott, Board Member and former President of New Haven Manufacturing; President, Air Handling Systems; Nicholas Perna, Sr., Economist, Perna Associates, LLC; and David Kooris, the CT Director for the CT-NJ-NY Regional Plan Association, to help start the conversation on how we can create and keep jobs in Connecticut.
January 17, 2008, 2008 Manufacturers’ Legislative Forum
Manufacturing Organizations, General Assembly Members and Manufacturers Debated 2008 Legislative Agenda
Cromwell, January 17, 2008 – The Connecticut Manufacturing Coalition, members of the Connecticut General Assembly and representatives from 44 Connecticut manufacturing companies met Thursday morning at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell to discuss the upcoming legislative session and the impacts of legislation on the manufacturing industry here in Connecticut.
The 2008 Legislative Agenda was presented outlining the critical issues facing manufacturers such as property and corporation taxes, energy and environmental concerns, workforce development and the shortage of skilled manufacturing employees in the state. Manufacturers voiced their concerns on the continuing rise of health care costs and the need for the state to increase funding for the Workforce Development boards and manufacturing programs at the vocational high schools.
“Focus the foundations of education on teaching for success rather than teaching for the test. Expand Connecticut’s successful vo-ag model of education throughout the public education system. The vo-ag model is proven, is successful and produces very skilled, employable and competent graduates,” said Nick Lavorato of Applied Engineering Products of New Haven and a board member of the New Haven Manufacturers Association, “We need to also increase funding for incumbent worker training that is, in the very least, comparable to our neighboring states, which fund in the millions, as compared to Connecticut, which is in the order of $500,000.”
Representatives Corky Mazurek, Vincent Candelora, David McCluskey, Selim Noujaim, Larry Miller and John Piscopo joined Senators Gary LeBeau and Donald DeFronzo participating in this inaugural Manufacturers Legislative Forum.
“The purpose of the 2008 Manufacturers Legislative Forum was to encourage balanced discussions so we can all become more educated and more sensitive to the issues each side must grapple with,” said Frank Johnson, president of the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut, “the Connecticut Manufacturing Coalition came together to speak with one voice on the needs of the manufacturer here in Connecticut. Today was a great start and we are looking forward to a more fruitful relationship with our legislature.”
Members of the Connecticut Manufacturing Coalition include: CONNSTEP, The Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut (MAC), New Haven Manufacturers Association (NHMA) and the Smaller Manufacturers Association of Connecticut (SMA).
May 30, 2007, Congressman Chris Murphy
NHMA President Ken Dugan, Jerry Clupper and Jamison Scott attended the NAM/CBIA roundtable discussion with Rep Murphy.
May 16, 2007, CBIA Manufacturing and Technology Day
Past NHMA President Jamison Scott joined with the members of the CBIA Manufacturing Council to discuss the current session with Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Fedele
April 24, 2007, Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Fedele and State Representative Themis Klarides
Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Fedele and State Representative Themis Klarides visited NHMA member company Air Handling Systems and spent valuable time with David and Jamison Scott, who discussed the company’s business challenges.
The Lieutenant Governor stated, “I appreciate the Scott’s taking their valuable time to share their concerns with me. I promise to bring my business experience to Hartford and work with Governor Rell and the Department of Economic and Community Development to make it easier to do business in Connecticut.”
March 17, 2007, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
On a snowy Friday afternoon Congresswoman DeLauro held a teleconference with NHMA President Ken Dugan, Manufacturing Technology Department Head at Platt Tech Dave Tuttle and NHMA members Ed Wilson & Jamison Scott. The topic of discussion was a grant Rosa had submitted for well needed funding for the School’s manufacturing program.
March 07, 2007, CONNECTICUT BUSINESS DAY 2007
NHMA President Ken Dugan, Jerry Clupper and Jamison Scott visited the State Capitol for Connecticut Business Day 2007, to discuss the most important issues facing Connecticut businesses and the state economy.
March 07, 2007, House Speaker Jim Amann
Representatives from CBIA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council, inlcuding NHMA member Jamison Scott met with House Speaker Jim Amann to discuss ways the Speaker can help improve the climate for manufacturers and small businesses in Connecticut.
February 13, 2007, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
Congresswoman DeLauro took time out of her busy schedule to meet with NHMA Past President Jamison Scott at her Washington DC Office.
March 01, 2006, Connecticut Business Day
Gov. Rell and legislators from both sides of the aisle have made economic growth and job creation a priority for the 2006 session of the General Assembly. Many pro-business initiatives have been proposed -- but other, anti-business measures are being talked about, too.
August 03, 2005, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
NHMA Past President Jamison Scott meet with Congresswoman DeLauro to discuss the importance of legislation that will help manufacturers be more productive in our high cost state. Also discussed was anti-business legislation that would have an adverse affect on smaller manufacturers.
July 19, 2005, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
During a stop at Ansonia Copper & Brass Inc.'s sprawling complex, DeLauro, D-3rd District, laid out a multipoint plan she said aims to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers competing in global markets.
"We understand the global market, we understand global competition," DeLauro told about 150 Ansonia Copper employees and local officials who gathered for the late-morning session. "We can compete ... but give us that level playing field. I believe that the federal government has an obligation to level that playing field and make sure American manufacturing is strong, that it can compete and that it isn't put at a disadvantage."
DeLauro called for eliminating tax subsidies to manufacturers that move their headquarters offshore, making larger investments in math and science education and addressing health care costs. She also called for ensuring trade agreements more fairly benefit U.S. manufacturers, opposing efforts to relax the "Buy American" provisions in government purchasing and increasing federal investments in research and development programs.
Congresswoman DeLauro invited among others, NHMA Past President Jamison Scott to speak at the event and had the following to say, "I am thankful that Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and others in Washington have acknowledged the challenges we are facing! From the extremely high cost of doing business including the utility costs such as oil, gas and electricity to copyright infringement from overseas we as manufacturers are challenged everyday and everyday we work harder and harder creating a stronger economy for our region and our nation.
Our region has over 40,000 people employed in manufacturing. As a representative of manufacturing I am proud of the strong base we have had in shaping our country, from the defense industry to biotech this region is as skillful as ever.
I am happy to say; today we are seeing resurgence in the importance manufacturing. More and more manufacturing are getting involved! There is growing participation being used in constructive ways. Manufacturers are realizing that management and employees working together can be a powerful force in Hartford and Washington. By working together we can increase investment in R & D; we can seek ways to improve methods of operations; and we will continue to fight for fair trade. Finally we can keep the current momentum going!
May 23, 2005, SMA Annual Meeting
Jerry Clupper, NHMA Executive Director attended the SMA Annual Meeting with Gov. Rell as keynote.
May 20, 2005, CBIA Next Generation Manufacturing
NHMA President and NHMA Executive Director attended event with NAM President as keynote speaker.
May 12, 2005, CBIA Manufacturing and Technology Day
May 09, 2005, Meeting with Trade Secretary John Snow
NHMA President Jamison Scott attened a meeting with Trade Sec. Snow to discuss Social Security with the business community.
February 16, 2005, NAM Fly-In Washington DC
NAM held their annual Fly-In where manufacturers from around the country discussed the importance of manufacturing with several members of Congress. NHMA President Jamison Scott joined the NAM Fly-in along with NHMA member and past NHMA President Roger Joyce from Bilco Door. Meetings were held with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Congressman Chris Shays and Congressman Rob Simmons. Additionally meetings were held with other congressional staffers. Other manufacturers from CT joined the meetings as well including Bill Lee from the Lee Company and John Lapides from United Aluminum Corp.
February 08, 2005, CBIA Manufacturing Council - Speaker of the House, State Rep. Jim Amann
NHMA President Jamison Scott joined with the members of the CBIA Manufacturing Council to discuss the upcoming session with Speaker of the House, State Rep. Jim Amann
February 03, 2005, State Senator Looney
NHMA President Jamison Scott and Executive Director Jerry Clupper meet with Senator Looney to discuss the importance of manufacturing to our state and to ask for his support on the NHMA Legislative Agenda including support on PILOT. We specifically discussed, we want to maintain the current five-year, 100% property tax exemption for new manufacturing machinery and equipment and adopt a plan to phase out the personal property tax on manufacturing equipment.
December 15, 2004, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
December 15, 2004 - Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Jamison Scott, President of NHMA, Frank Johnson, President of MAC, and John Bauman, TORAW President met with Congresswoman DeLauro to discuss how these organizations could work with her staff to focus on manufacturing issues in the upcoming session. Rosa is concerned about China's currency valuation, product labeling, healthcare and visa reforms.
December 07, 2004, Themis Klarides State Rep. 114th
NHMA President Jamison Scott met with Rep. Klarides to discuss the NHMA Legislative agenda. They also discussed the collaboration among the manufacturing trade assocations throughout the state.
November 17, 2004, NHMA Summit III Building Influence
In collaboration with NHMA (New Haven Manufacturers Association) and MCI (Manufacturing Cluster Initiative) and with the support from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, RGP (Regional Growth Partnership), METAL (Metal Manufacturers' Education and Training Alliance), SMA (Smaller Manufacturers Association of Connecticut, Inc.), CONNSTEP, CBIA, MAC, NAM we present our Legislative Agenda for 2005:
Building Influence
Public Policy
Taxation & Regulation
Maintain the current five-year, 100% property tax exemption for new manufacturing machinery and equipment and adopt a plan to phase out the personal property tax on manufacturing equipment.
Increase the fixed capital investment tax credit and provide other tax incentives targeted to job creation and economic growth.
Review state regulatory policy and eliminate or modify regulations that add to the operating and administrative costs of manufacturers, particularly smaller manufacturers, without adding sufficient value to the state.
Task Force
Create and staff a permanent legislative commission on manufacturing and industrial policy to assist the legislature in developing policies favorable to manufacturing in Connecticut.
Workforce Training/Industry Awareness
Provide funding for incumbent worker training to encourage manufacturers to further develop the skills of their existing workforce.
Fund the development of a permanent manufacturing exhibit that functions as a learning tool to educate CT?s youth about careers in manufacturing and communicates the industry?s value to the State?s economy.