The Connecticut Business and Industry Association on Monday issued a statement saying that although infrastructure is important to Connecticut’s economy, the association could not support “adding additional cost burdens, like tolls, on individuals and businesses.” Although CBIA recognized the state needs to improve infrastructure, they faulted the legislature for diverting ...
Connecticut slid backwards in the Tax Foundation’s annual ranking of states based on their business tax climate. Connecticut ranked 44th in the nation - one ranking lower than last year - and far behind Massachusetts, which ranked 22nd in the nation. Connecticut, however, did beat out New York and New Jersey.
Buried in a bill to raise taxes on bed & breakfasts and implement yet another motor vehicle registration fee is a provision to raise the income tax on Connecticut’s top earners from 6.99 percent to 7.49 percent. Senate Bill 1054 would impose a retroactive tax on individuals, families and owners of small businesses who earn $500,000 or more.
A contentious public hearing before the Labor and Public Employees Committee went late into the night Thursday as lawmakers heard testimony on a number of bills that could have big impacts on hiring in Connecticut. Committee co-chair, Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, told Eric Gjede of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association that “those who can afford to pay, need to pay.”
In its administrative report to the governor, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, which is tasked with investigating claims of discrimination in employment and housing, claimed that it had “the best production rate" of any similar agency by securing $10,250,000 in discrimination settlements from employers and property owners during FY16. But some employers and property owners liken the CHRO's practices to “extortion” and claim they are forced to settle with claimants to avoid a longer and more costly fight.
A public hearing about the practices of the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunity before the General Assembly's investigation committee was packed with visibly angry Connecticut property owners wearing neon green stickers that read “Fair Housing Lacks Due Process.” Bob De Cosmo, manager of Tenant Tracks, a Waterbury based tenant screening company, says Connecticut rental property owners have a legitimate grievance and a right to fair treatment by the CHRO. “We’re trying to get some fairness back into this process in housing,” De Cosmo said. “When you’re accused of violating any of the fair housing laws, you’re up against a stiff challenge to clear your name and get out."