Call to action on Predictable Scheduling bill
Big win for Retailers in Privacy bill
Other news and notes from around the Capitol
News and notes from around the state
- Early on in the current legislative session, we identified HB 6859 AAC Predictable Scheduling as the proposed legislation that was most important for us to stop.
- At a time when all types of retailers are challenged to find workers, this bill places new mandates and procedures on retailers BEFORE we even hire someone.
- We have worked hard to stop this bill, and this week we got word directly from key legislators that the bill may not have the votes to pass.
- BUT it was also made clear to us that the advocates for the bill are turning their attention to Governor Lamont to get support from his office for the bill.
- That is why today we are asking all members to reach out to the Governor’s office and let them know that the retail industry is OPPOSED TO THIS BILL.
- You can reach out to the Governor directly by calling his office at 860-566-4840 or 800-406-1527 and leaving a message stating your opposition to House Bill 6859 Predictable Scheduling, or by filling out and sending the comment form here.
- We also strongly suggest you reach out to Governor Lamont’s chief of staff, Johnny Dach. You can reach him by emailing jonathan.dach@ct.gov or calling him at (860) 566-7354.
- We also have prepared some key points that might help you organize your thoughts. You can view those by going here.
- We appreciate you taking the time to send this message. YOUR VOICE MATTERS AND IT HAS IMPACT.
Big win for Retailers in Privacy Bill
- Yesterday, the State Senate passed SB 3 AAC Online Privacy Data and Safety Protections. You can read the OLR summary of the bill by going here.
- Most important for retailers, the details of the bill, including some key definitions, give retailers the necessary protections to avoid any disruptions between retailers and customers.
- The bill now goes to the House, where it is expected to pass.
Other news and notes from the State Capitol
- Things will begin to pick up as we head into the final 3 weeks of the Legislative Session.
- The House and Senate will both be in session Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.
- There are still many issues for the General Assembly to deal with before adjournment June 7. Adoption of a new 2-year state budget is the highest priority and word is that this week things are starting to come together.
- To that end, Senate Republicans added their voice to the debate and added more pressure to the talks this week by prioritizing tax cuts in the next state budget.
- The caucus unveiled a $50.4 billion two-year budget proposal that would provide an average of about $750 million per year in tax relief. CT Mirror’s Keith Phaneuf details their proposal here.
- The House of Representatives approved easing restrictions on the use of absentee ballots, a change that would essentially allow all Connecticut residents to vote by mail. The 113-38 vote sends the bill to the Senate. If approved, the proposal would then go to voters statewide in 2024. CTNewsJunkie has the details here.
- Connecticut’s public health emergency ended this week after more than three years, bringing changes in the way data on COVID are collected and reported, in coverage for testing and treatments and in vaccination programs. CT Mirror reports here.
- In addition to passage of SB 3, the State Senate also passed SB 1103 AAC Artificial Intelligence, Automated Decision Making and Personal Data Privacy.
- With the passage of that bill, which again must get final approval in the State House, Connecticut jumped into the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. CT Mirror’s Mark Pazniokas has that story here.
- In a 35-1 vote, the state Senate enthusiastically passed a years-in-the-making bill requiring financial literacy instruction in high school, despite some confusion about what the legislation actually does. The New London Day explains here.
News and notes from around the state
- Real estate brokers across greater New Haven are seeing an uptick in smaller space leases in commercial buildings. New Haven BIZ reports on the latest here.
- Connecticut’s Asian American population is one of the fastest growing in the state, and officials are urging consumers to support small businesses owned by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CT Public has news of the effort here.
- A Stop & Shop program that offers 50% off groceries nearing their “best by” date has expanded to about 80 more Connecticut stores, the company announced this week. News 8 reports on the program here.
- Sacred Heart University and Hartford HealthCare have announced a partnership to provide clinical training and development opportunities for students pursuing careers in nursing and health care, including hands-on experience at Hartford HealthCare facilities. New Haven BIZ reports on the collaboration here.
- Numerous Connecticut companies are contributing to NASA’s efforts to bring America back to the moon – and more. New Haven BIZ highlights the dozens of local businesses that are part of the effort here.
CRN Golf Outing update
- The 2023 CRN Golf Outing will take place on Tuesday, June 27, with registration and a deluxe full breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sponsorships are still available to support the event, being held again this year at Wampanoag CC in West Hartford.
- Registration is now open, with payment accepted via PayPal or credit card. See the letter of invitation and CRN’s all-new brochure, at https://ctretailnetwork.com/golf-outing/
- Join your fellow retailers and friends at this fun and important event. The money raised helps keep CRN the strongest voice for Retailers in Connecticut. We hope to see you there!