Phase 2 opens with CT in the green zone
New CRMA Survey
News and notes from around the state
- As Phase Two of the state’s reopening got underway this week, Gov. Lamont said “We’re going to have to build people’s confidence for them to go back indoors. We’ve got to give them confidence they can do it safely.” CT Mirror highlights the progress made this week, here.
- We agree with the Governor. The key to consumers returning to regular shopping will be due in large part to the confidence that they must have to again shop in person.
- And while the rest of the country may be experiencing spikes in case of COVID19, CT has done a remarkable job. Earlier this week, our state was given the designation of green for the progress being made – one of only a handful of states to earn it.
- In addition to all the work that YOU have done to establish a safe shopping experience, that designation should give consumers confidence that CT continues to move in the right direction.
- You can go here to see how we stack up vs. other states.
Latest CRMA Survey
- As we mentioned in previous FF, CRMA will be conducting quick surveys from time-to-time to gain insight into how retailers feel about certain evolving topics.
- This week we are asking you to complete a short survey on how your business is doing under current conditions.
- Please take 5 minutes and complete the survey. It is modeled after a University of Michigan Business Survey.
- With the General Assembly going back into special session sometime this summer and with the fall election season soon upon us, it is important that we have up-to-date data to continue to be an effective voice for you with key decision-makers.
News and notes from around the state
- The coronavirus-induced recession could erode more than $6.5 billion in annual state revenues, according to researchers — far more than state officials had predicted. CT Mirror has the story here.
- A major decline in travel due to COVID-19 is expected to cost state and local governments in Connecticut more than $287 million in tax revenue generated by the hotel industry in 2020, according to a new report. New Haven BIZ has the story here.
- The state is launching a new $1.2 million tourism campaign next week to help re-invigorate revenues for the state’s many tourism-related businesses. The So Good to See You, Connecticut campaign is designed to show how ready our tourism businesses are to welcome visitors back safely. The details of the campaign can be seen here, and a fact sheet is here.
- Breaking with many of his fellow Democrats, Gov. Lamont is supporting a plan backed by Republicans in Congress to pay workers $450 to return to jobs as an incentive to forgo hefty unemployment payments. Connecticut Post reports here that businesses have had difficulty persuading employees to return because the federal payment gives them more money to stay home than to head back to the workplace.
- Connecticut’s unemployment rate of 16.3% for the week of May 30 was the 6th highest in the nation, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Connecticut had 11,912 new claims for the week ending June 6, a decrease of 3,454 from the 15,366 claims the previous week. Fairfield County Business Journal has the story here.
- Senate Democrats this morning outlined their agenda for the upcoming special legislative session, anticipated next month. The Democrats, led by the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, laid out a plan to address systemic racism, not just in policing, but in housing, education, health care, even economic opportunities. WFSB has the story here.
- Lamont announced that employees of five state agencies who have frequent contact with constituents in congregate settings, hospitals, and nursing homes meet the requirements to receive mandatory COVID-19 testing. The agencies include Correction, Veterans Affairs, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Children and Families, and Developmental Services. Patch has the story here.