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July 17, 2020

Businesses to lawmakers: What help can we expect?

State Rep. Sean Scanlon
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The business community asked lawmakers this week what they’ll be doing in the coming months to help them navigate the coronavirus crisis. 

The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce on Thursday hosted a “Legislative Forum: A Conversation with State Representatives,” as an opportunity for business leaders to interact with area lawmakers.

State representatives Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford), Robyn Porter (D-New Haven), Themis Klarides (R-Derby) and Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford), participated in the virtual event, moderated by chamber President and CEO Garrett Sheehan.

Sheehan asked lawmakers about their efforts in the coming months to help businesses, and about the impact the virus has had on the economy and state budget.

Lawmakers are headed into a special session next week to discuss topics such as the use of absentee ballots in November as a COVID-19 safety measure, police accountability, telemedicine expansion and insulin cost control. 

All of the lawmakers said they are hearing regularly from their constituents about the negative impact the pandemic has had on their businesses and finances, such as lost revenue due to state closure orders. Many landlords haven’t been able to collect rent, causing them to fall behind on their mortgages. 

“People in the state are hurting,” Scanlon said. “Everyone knows someone who has lost their job, gotten sick or died.” 

Candelora, a businessman himself, owns Connecticut Sportsplex in North Branford, which has reopened, but at 50 percent capacity.

“As a state, we have to look at how we prop up businesses,” Candelora said. 

Candelora suggested lawmakers consider property and sales tax relief to help struggling property owners and businesses.

Porter said she is concerned about what can be done for businesses, and noted how the pandemic has impacted workers. 

“The more money you make, the more taxes you should pay,” Porter said. “We have to help workers - there is no business or economy without workers.”

Meanwhile, the lawmakers said the state will be facing a large budget deficit. 

Candelora said he is “very concerned” about the expected budget deficit, which he anticipates could be in the $3 billion to $6 billion range.

“Come September, we will be looking at a deficit mitigation package,” Candelora said. 

Klarides indicated the projected deficit could mean the need for tax increases and tolls. 

Sheehan also questioned lawmakers about business liability, as he said it is a “big concern” for businesses, who are worried about litigation if someone contracts the virus at their establishment.

“We do have to look at the liability issue and make sure our businesses are protected,” Scanlon said. “Some restaurants and businesses are terrified about customers coming in.” 

Schools and healthcare

According to Sheehan, he has been hearing from employers that reopening schools is critical. 

“Every district is struggling with what reopening will look like,” Candelora said. “How did distance learning really go? There are children who are food insecure, students who never logged in for distance learning. It is not an easy situation when you talk to parents. Most people see a need to get children back in schools for socialization. I am hopeful we can reopen these schools for kids.”

Porter said there is tremendous concern about safety surrounding the return to school, but in New Haven alone hundreds of students didn’t engage during distance learning.

During the event, the four lawmakers expressed fear about a resurgence of the virus in Connecticut, given how several other states are seeing high numbers. 

“We can’t just go back to normal in Connecticut, we have to figure out what is the new normal,” Scanlon said. “We have to find ways to improve healthcare and make sure it is accessible and affordable for everybody.”

If there is a resurgence, Scanlon said they don’t want the state’s healthcare system to get overloaded.

“One way is to ensure telehealth is available to everyone,” Scanlon said. “There is no one silver bullet solution to this crisis.”

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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