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Friends,
Every time I host a meeting with constituents at a local ice cream parlor or coffee shop, I am reminded that small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. When I started my local catering business, I learned how much courage it takes to put your money, your reputation, and your time on the line to pursue something you believe in. That’s why I’m proud of the 100% score I received from the CT Business and Industry Association in recognition of my legislative record to improve conditions for CT’s businesses, large and small.
By dramatically improving our fiscal health through years of balanced budgets, pension debt reduction, and adhering to fiscal guardrails, our state is now recognized as a premier destination for businesses.
Over 100,000 new jobs have been created in Connecticut and $100 billion invested by the private sector especially in strategic sectors like aerospace, biotech, financial services, and renewable energy. Credit agencies are taking notice. In May, Moody’s and Fitch both upgraded CT’s bond ratings. The state has committed $100 million to fund the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund to provide entrepreneurs with access to the financial capital they need to get their business off the ground.
And in the last two sessions we passed several bills to help small businesses including:
- Cutting the number of reporting requirements;
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Expanding the JobsCT tax rebate program to increase employment and job creation;
- Cutting business taxes to promote expansion of childcare facilities.
But I’m not done.
In January 2023, Representative Meskers and I held a roundtable discussion with the Women’s Business Development Council. We heard about the difficulty of finding affordable and available childcare, the high cost of insurance, and the need for pipelines to help youth join the workforce. These are policy priorities that I will continue to address if re-elected. I remain steadfast in my support for small businesses and will continue to push for policies that reduce burdens, foster innovation, and drive economic growth.
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