CMC Report

March 2025 – by Justin Swanson

General Legislative Climate

Despite a short week, the Capitol was active with meaningful legislative developments. The Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee was particularly busy with public hearings and internal meetings to prepare bills for action. Additionally, the Senate held a session on Tuesday, pushing forward the legislative calendar.

Key Committee Focus

  • The Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Appropriations Committees are continuing their review of important legislation and are preparing to act on several key bills.
  • The Select Committee on Special Education is planning public hearings for two impactful bills that could significantly affect the provision of special education across the state.

Looking Ahead

As the committee phase of the session concludes, real legislative work is now ramping up. We anticipate:

  • Greater movement on bills that have cleared committee.
  • More floor action and voting as the General Assembly pushes toward key deadlines.

Stay engaged as we continue to monitor developments that affect Connecticut’s manufacturing community. Your insights and advocacy remain critical in shaping the policies that impact our industry.

For questions or more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out our committee chair Justin Swanson at justin@unitedwirecompany.com

Topics discussed during the latest CMC meeting

Manufacturing Update from Paul Lavoie:

  • Tariff Impact Article shared: CT could lead a manufacturing revival.
  • Manufacturing program growth: 100 inquiries and awards through DECD.
  • Federal NEP Program Cuts: Ending in 10 states; CT’s CONNSTEP up for renewal in July.
  • Press Engagement: With Blumenthal and Larson — political support sought at the federal level.
  • Apprenticeship funding: Applications submitted; process underway.
  • Focus Areas: Digital transformation and education for suppliers.
  • CONNEX Marketplace: Urgent need for suppliers to complete profiles — over 300 buyers active.
  • ElevateHER Initiative: Vanessa Senna appointed chair of the Women’s Manufacturing Advisory Council.

Legislative & Policy Updates:

  • Statehouse Budget Discussion:
  • Debate over loosening fiscal guardrails via emergency declaration.
  • Preference to maintain current safeguards.
  • Supreme Court Gardner Decision:
  • Workers’ comp reform (HB 7141) underway; compromise language advanced.
  • 2025 CMC Agenda:
  • R&D tax credits passed commerce committee; unlikely to pass in final session due to budget constraints.
  • SB 1402 in favorable position on Senate floor.
  • Support voiced for expanding the Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

Workforce & Labor Legislation

  • Apprenticeship Ratios:
  • Push for universal 1:1 ratio (HB 6786, SB 1465).
  • Shifting approval from DOL to DCP for greater objectivity.
  • Labor Bills in Focus:
  • HB 6517: Transparency in salary/benefits for job postings.
  • Warehouse Worker Protections: Targeting large employers (e.g., Amazon) via SB 1254 and HB 6907.
  • Noncompete Agreements: CBIA advocating for revisions.
  • HB 7268: Adjusting job creation rebate thresholds for small businesses.