In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, Amanda Marlow sits down with CBIA policy chief Chris Davis to break down the start of the 2026 General Assembly Session, Gov. Ned Lamont’s State of the State address, key legislative proposals, and what business leaders—especially small businesses—should be watching closely in the weeks ahead.
The episode also features highlights from a conversation between Davis and a bipartisan panel of lawmakers that included Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven), Rep. Jack Fazzino (D-Berlin), and Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-East Granby) at CBIA’s Jan. 29 Economic Summit + Outlook.
Episode Highlights, Topics
What’s New in the 2026 Legislative Session
Overview of early session priorities and the Lamont’s budget proposals
Why a proposal to extend R&D tax credits to pass-through entities could boost investment, job growth, and business retention in Connecticut
Concerns about Lamont’s proposal to pay for a one-time rebate for families making under $400,000
Legislative proposal eliminates the sales tax on energy costs for small businesses
Support for proposals to lower healthcare costs including a renewed pus for Association Health Plans and support for tax credits tied to ICHRA health benefit accounts
Efforts to expand workforce readiness and career pipeline programs
Highlights from Legislative Panel
Lawmakers’ views on affordability: healthcare, childcare, housing, and higher education
Workforce transportation including first-mile/last-mile and microtransit solutions
The importance of trades, manufacturing careers, and early exposure for students
Headlines You May Have Missed
Environmental permitting reform proposals
Labor committee bills resurfacing from past sessions
New data on Connecticut’s labor force and population trends
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