2015 Policy Agenda

Recent News: Legislative Update - TIF Bill Passes!

2015 Policy Recommendations:

  • Support Governor Malloy’s efforts to consolidate regulations and streamline processes in the state.

  • Seize the opportunities outlined in the Comprehensive Energy Plan – gas expansion.

  • Continue the Small Business Express Program -- commit resources to ensure continuation of this impactful program and make ongoing improvements.

  • Improve economic development marketing of the State of Connecticut – manufacturing and environment of entrepreneurship.  Additionally, increase efforts and consolidate information on available programs that will help promote the competitive advantages of CT to one place – CERC, DECD, Labor etcetera.  State should educated economic development professionals on all of its offerings.

  • Share customer relationship management information with local economic developers.

2015 Legislative Recommendations:

Improve Connecticut’s Tax Incremental Financing Legislation

Connecticut should pass legislation that would make TIFs locally directed and not require a special act by the legislature each time a community has an applicable project.  The new legislation would include a minimum assessment provision provide for all TIFs that already exist.

Shovel Ready Sites

Connecticut should fund a program to identify and certify development sites as “shovel ready” to allow for quick development of projects in key economic sectors.

Environmental

  • Make Connecticut’s “covenant not to sue” on brownfield redevelopment projects competitive with neighboring states to precipitate investments.

Job Expansion Tax Credit (JET)

  • The JET program can provide valuable tax incentive to CT-based companies that have state income tax liability.  The state should continue and budget for this program.

  • Provide a means to deal with workforce issues

    • Manufacturing skills gap

    • Aging employees

    • Flexible workforce training

    • Age of access with parental permission

    • Streamline and eliminate barriers

    • Incentivize interest – manufacturing apprentice tax credits

Transportation

Transportation Policy – Connecticut should commit the funds to complete the New Haven – Hartford – Springfield rail line and other important rail upgrades.

  • Deal with Fairfield County congestion with consideration of:

    • Moore Commission recommendations

    • Local projects

    • Designing shovel ready projects to utilize federal funding

    • Maintain integrity of Special Transportation Fund

    • Prioritize statewide focus towards areas of congestion and environmental non-attainment

 

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