The GDCC is committed to keeping you informed, we have compiled this week’s key legislative developments that may impact businesses in our region. Email any questions or advocacy updates directly to Maura@DanburyChamber.com.
Greater Danbury Chamber Legislative Update: Advocating for Pro-Business Policy in Final Weeks of Session
As the Connecticut General Assembly moves into the final weeks before its June 4 adjournment, floor activity has accelerated. All committees have concluded their work on legislation within their jurisdiction, and the Appropriations and Finance Committees have released their respective budget and tax proposals. Final budget negotiations between the Governor and legislative leaders are underway for implementation on July 1.
The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce (GDCC) continues to be a strong voice for the business community across Western Connecticut. We are actively monitoring and engaging on key legislative proposals that will impact our region’s employers, workforce, and economic vitality. Here's where we stand:
Support Tourism Investment in Greater Danbury
The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the state’s renewed emphasis on tourism growth and productivity—an initiative that presents a powerful opportunity for our region and for Connecticut as a whole. As a dynamic dual market at the gateway to New England, Greater Danbury is uniquely positioned to leverage our hotels, restaurants, recreational, and drive small business growth, and boost economic vitality here is Western Connecticut.
We urge our GDCC business owners like you to reach out to your state legislators and ask them to increase tourism marketing funding. One practical solution is to dedicate 20% of the existing Meals and Beverage Tax to tourism.
Here’s why these matters:
- Redirecting just 20% of the current Meals & Beverage Tax would generate over $20 million annually for tourism marketing—without raising any existing taxes.
- None of the $107 million collected from the 1% Meals & Beverage Tax in 2024 is currently reinvested in tourism—it all goes into the state’s general fund.
- Once this tax is in the general fund, it cannot be redirected to support our industry. Without action now, we lose the chance to use this revenue for vital tourism and hospitality initiatives.
Your Voice Can Make the Difference!!
Key Legislation of Interest to Greater Danbury Businesses
- Regulatory Flexibility for Small Businesses (SB 1402):
This bill requires state agencies to evaluate how new regulations would affect small businesses—including whether compliance would involve added record-keeping, employee benefits, or product changes. The Senate passed the bill, and it now awaits House action. GDCC supports this measure as a practical approach to ensuring small business sustainability in our region.
- Energy Affordability for Employers (SB 1560):
Rising electricity costs are a top concern for businesses in Greater Danbury. This bill would eliminate the sales tax on electricity for commercial and industrial properties, remove peak-use demand charges, and reduce the public benefit charge. GDCC advocates for revisions that make energy more affordable for Western Connecticut employers.
- Workers’ Compensation Stability (HB 7141):
In response to a recent court ruling that threatens decades of progress in stabilizing workers’ compensation costs, this bill aims to restore balance. The Chamber supports this legislation to avoid future premium spikes that could burden employers.
- Expanding Data Privacy Mandates (SB 1356):
GDCC is closely tracking this bill, which would significantly expand the Connecticut Data Privacy Act—potentially increasing compliance costs and regulatory complexity for local businesses and nonprofits.
- Environmental Mandates (HB 5004):
A top priority for House leadership, this bill sets aggressive new emissions targets and mandates zero-carbon electricity use by state agencies. GDCC is concerned about the downstream impact of these policies on local economic development and infrastructure planning in the Housatonic Valley and Western Connecticut.
- Credit Card Swipe Fee Reform (SB 1460):
This proposal would have reduced the cost burden on small businesses by excluding taxes from interchange fee calculations. While GDCC supports this bill, although strong industry opposition led to its failure in the Finance Committee. We will continue to advocate for solutions that reduce transaction costs for retailers and service providers in our area.
As the session nears its conclusion, legislative language can shift quickly, and bills may be amended or revived with little notice. GDCC urges its members to stay engaged by tracking bills that matter to you and your business here: Legislative - Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce - Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce and contact your local legislators about the bills that impact our region’s economy. We remain committed to representing the interests of Greater Danbury’s diverse business community—from manufacturing and healthcare to hospitality, retail, and tech.
For questions or assistance reaching your legislator, contact the Chamber office.
**Let’s make sure the Greater Danbury region is well represented!**