Public Policy Updates

CEDAS Policy Alert:
CEDAS’ policy committee will release periodic alerts through its LinkedIn group to inform its members of important issues and meetings. It is also hoped that members will comment on the alerts so that we are all well informed. Below you will find our first alert of 2013. It is our hope that a spirited dialogue will follow.

Garrett Sheehan (Garrett.Sheehan@uinet.com) and John O’Toole (john.otoole@nu.com), co-chairs

Policy Issues
The CEDAS Policy Committee has met and believes that the following items should be supported and monitored this legislative session:

Maintenance of municipal funding levels. Diminishment of this support would only amount to a transfer of tax burden from the state to cities and towns.
Support of the Governors Comprehensive Energy Strategy. This plan will allow Connecticut to be competitive, create jobs, reduce emissions and move toward energy independence.
Continue to improve the regulatory environment in Connecticut. State agencies should continue to implement “lean” techniques to reduce waste and improve turnaround times on approvals.
Connecticut should continue to reduce costs and offer incentives (ie: First Five, Small Business Express) to mitigate real and perceived obstacles to investors and business expansion.
Connecticut should continue to maintain and build out its transportation infrastructure.
Connecticut should support and leverage its ports.
Connecticut should reduce its unemployment, building upon its focused and successful workforce programs.
Reduce the cost of doing business in Connecticut for precision manufacturing.
Balance the state budget to restore stability to the economy.

Important Dates

Commerce Committee Meeting – Thursday, January 24, 2013 @ 10:00 AM Legislative Office Building to Raise Bills (this could be a very brief meeting.)