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Friday Facts – May 21st

by | May 21, 2021 | Uncategorized

Legislature going full steam towards adjournment
Digital Ad Tax still on the table
Predictive scheduling and privacy remain unresolved
State begins re-open phase 2
CRMA Golf Outing
News and notes from around the state

  • As we go to print with this week FF, the General Assembly has finished up a busy week with both the House and Senate in session for the first time this year.
  • With only about three weeks to go before adjournment date, the pace of the session has picked up considerably with both Chambers in 3 days this week going late into the evening on a couple of those nights.
  • We expect that pace will continue next week and may even pick up steam as legislative leaders and members become more comfortable operating in this virtual setting. The House is scheduled to be in session 4 days next week, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
  • When they return after the Holiday, it will be countdown to adjournment day of June 9th.

 

Digital Ad Tax still on the table

  • Legislative leaders this week announced that budget discussions between the General Assembly and the Governor’s office should begin soon and that all are in agreement that passing a state budget before adjournment day of June 9th is doable. CTNewsJunkie reports on the latest news here.
  • But one big hurdle in making that goal attainable is the tax package that was reported out of the Finance Committee a few weeks back. That package, which you can review again by going here, includes a new tax on advertising that takes place on digital platforms. CRMA opposes that tax and all of the taxes included in the tax package.
  • Not only do we feel the digital ad tax will just be passed on to advertisers, like many of our members, but the state DOES NOT NEED THE MONEY.
  • To that end, on Thursday new revenue estimates show that CT is expecting MORE money than anticipated – which in turn will increase our surplus and rainy-day fund. CT Mirror has the story here.
  • Governor Lamont noted CT’s fiscal condition in his press conference yesterday. You can go here to see more about what the Governor said about the state’s fiscal condition.
  • We will continue to keep the pressure on legislators to drop the digital ad tax idea and to NOT RAISE any taxes and will keep you up to date on the progress of the budget deliberation as they get started.

 

Fair work week schedule bill advances, news and notes from the State Capitol

  • This week the State Senate adopted SB 688 as amended by LCO8661 by a vote of 20-16.
  • The bill, which CRMA opposes, would put in place new restrictions and reporting requirements along with penalties for noncompliance on retailers with a global workforce of over 500 employees. That global workforce includes franchisors and franchisees.
  • You can read the file copy of the bill, which includes a summary of the bill, by going here.
  • The bill now goes to the House for final action. CRMA is urging members to contact your state representative and urge them to vote no on this bill.
  • This bill on its face seems like it is a good idea, but we remain very concerned that it could, if not drafted right, have serious unintended consequence that could place unnecessary barriers between members and consumers, as well a huge compliance cost.
  • We’re work hard on trying to come up with the right balance on this bill and will keep you posted on its progress.
  • The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill to legalize online gaming in Connecticut for the first time. The bill now goes on to the Senate.  CT Mirror reports the details here.
  • Former Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano will be returning to the Capitol in a part-time role as a Legislative Commissioner, overseeing the non-partisan legislative staff. His confirmation is expected, with support from both political parties.  CT Mirror has the story here.
  • The state House of Representatives passed a bill that would require employers to disclose a job’s “wage range” to applicants. HB 6380 would mandate the disclosure of a position’s expected compensation range by businesses to applicants.  It now goes to the Senate.  New Haven BIZ has the story here.
  • A public opinion survey has found public support for legalizing recreational marijuana in Connecticut. The bill to do that faces an uncertain future, with just week remaining in the legislative session.  CTNewsJunkie reports on the survey, here.
  • CRMA will hold a legislative committee meeting next Thursday at 11:00 am. The meeting is open to all members.
  • If you would like to join in, please email us at tim@ctretailnetwork.com and we will share with you the log-in information.

 

CRMA Golf Outing update

  • The CRMA Golf Outing is just a month away! Please consider helping us by being a purchasing a foursome, or being a sponsor, or donating a raffle prize.
  • The Golf Outing is an important fundraiser for CRMA and we thank you for considering helping us this year. And we look forward to seeing you!
  • You can go here to learn more about this year’s event, or by visiting the CRMA website at crmaonline.com

 

News and notes from around the State

  • Ned Lamont informed state employees that they are expected to return to their state offices on July 1, while those who serve customers must return sooner, by June 1. Hartford Courant reports on the Governor’s announcement here.
  • For the first time since September, Connecticut reported a COVID-19 positivity rate below 1% Thursday, indicating a continued decline in coronavirus transmission. The Hartford Courant has the numbers, here.
  • The Connecticut Department of Labor announced that the work search requirement for unemployment benefits will begin again on May 30, 2021. CT Post has the details here.
  • There’s a new airline flying from Bradley International Airport… Breeze. Connecticut Post has the details here.
  • Fairfield County was the most popular destination for New York City residents seeking to relocate from the Big Apple to a suburban location, according to new data. Fairfield County Business Journal has the details here.
  • Veteran UConn coach Geno Auriemma has a new contract. What that means for the UConn Women’s basketball team, and Geno, is outlined by the Hartford Courant, here.