State House Approves Labor Pack and Overrides a Veto but Still No Budget
State Senate to Meet Monday
Malloy Looking Toward the Fall
Save the Date
Retail News and Notes
- The saga of the adoption of a new two year State Budget continued this week when the House of Representatives gaveled themselves into session on Monday.
- They were in session for two reasons: one to vote on the recent labor agreement and for a veto session but there were also hopes that while they were all there, maybe, just maybe, there would be some movement toward adoption of a budget.
- But, nothing materialized.
- On the Labor Agreement issue, as you may recall Governor Malloy reached an agreement with the coalition of State Employee Unions that could save the State as much as 1.57 billion over the next two years, BUT would also extend the current contract another five years.
- You can go here to get a good overview of the House vote.
- House D’s held together enough votes to pass the agreement despite no Republican votes.
- Prior to the vote on the contract, the Legislature held a veto session to deal with the question of whether the legislature would override veto of a number of bills that the Governor vetoed during the regular session.
- The legislature chose to override one bill dealing with Town’s abilities to appeal affordable housing.
- At the end of a long day House D leaders left still without a consensus on a State Budget, leaving capitol watchers wondering what move they have left.
State Senate to Meet Monday
- While the House grappled with adoption of the State employee contracts, Democratic State Senate leaders had their hands full getting the necessary votes in their caucus to pass the agreement.
- Three Democratic members of the caucus have emerged as hold outs in approving the contract and request more time to review the contract before they agreed to vote on it.
- Senators Hartley, Doyle and Slossberg have been consistent skeptics of the contract on the Democratic side and today it is a real question as to whether they will vote for it.
- Remember the State Senate is tied 18-18 so just 1 of these three who votes with the Republicans against it and the contract is rejected.
- The CT Mirror has a good look at this trio.
- We will be at the Capitol on Monday and will keep you posted on what is going on.
Malloy Looking Toward the Fall
- Meanwhile Governor Malloy, who is running the State via executive order, told the Harford Courant on Wednesday of this week, that he would not be surprised if there is not a State Budget in place until this fall.
- Our friend at the Courant, the great Chris Keating, has that story if you go here.
- Malloy has been urging lawmakers to work together to find a compromise and get a budget done, but short of that happening, he is proposing they adopt a mini budget to fund the State for a short time until a full budget compromise can be reached.
- House Democrats have opposed any vote on a mini budget.
Save the Date
- The Governor said he wouldn’t be surprised if there was no budget by fall and if he is right, that might be right around the time of our Annual Awards Luncheon.
- Yesterday we sent members an email asking for nominations for 2017 Retailer of the Year as we prepare to honor retailers at our Annual Awards Luncheon.
- So, we urged you again to send us your nomination TODAY.
- We know there a plenty of great retailers in the State so there will be no shortage of choices but we need your input. Please take 5 minutes today and nominate your store, or your favorite place to shop.
- And SAVE THE DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR: OCOTOBER 4, 2017. BUSHNELL THEATER, AUTORINO GREAT HALL.
Retail News and Notes
- Target is testing new curbside pickup service in Twin Cities
Target Corp. has begun testing a new curbside pickup service at a handful of stores around the Twin Cities.
The Minneapolis-based retailer confirmed the details of the pilot program to the Star Tribune. After placing an order through Target’s app or website, customers drive up and park in dedicated parking spaces next to the store and employees will bring the items out to their cars. The service is aimed at saving time and offering an added convenience.
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Consumer Survey Shows Preference for In-Store Shopping: BOPIS The JDA Software study included a survey of over 1,000 consumers.
Fifty-four percent of consumers surveyed recently said they enjoy shopping in stores more than via digital channels, according to a survey by JDA Software. Three out of four respondents said they prefer a quick, easy shopping experience, as reflected in the 44% rise in use of click-and-collect programs over the past two years, the survey found.
- Walmart integrates AI to win shoppers, boost e-commerce Walmart is the second-largest online retailer and it’s using artificial intelligence to process sales and gain new customers. “We’re essentially creating a bridge where we are enhancing the shopping experience through machine learning,” said Laurent Desegur, WalmartLabs’ vice president of customer experience engineering.