Proposals’ Goal: Boost Economic Development, Regional Efficiency

HARTFORD — Two proposals in the Legislature’s Planning and Development Committee would boost economic development in the state, and improve Connecticut’s image in the eyes of national business-site locators, according to a February 20 release from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association.

HB-5868 would improve economic development by encouraging better coordination and partnerships between municipal and state governments. It would also help gain more timely approval of economic development projects.

Site locators — professionals who help businesses choose which locations throughout the country are best for them — repeatedly say that a key to attracting businesses is evidence of state and local development officials working together and provide results in a timely manner. HB-5868 is a no-cost step in this productive direction for Connecticut.

Another bill being considered by the committee, HB-6042, would promote greater efficiency in the delivery of local services by allowing local governments to merge on a voluntary basis. This is a commonsense measure, especially at a time when municipalities are faced with having to continue providing important programs and services, albeit with fewer resources.For more information about these proposals, contact CBIA’s Bonnie Stewart at 860-244-1925 or bonnie.stewart@cbia.com.