Joe Budd

Vice President at CBIA

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Articles

Strikers' UI Benefits Bill Heads to Governor, Veto Expected " CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

A controversial bill allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits is headed to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk after narrowly passing the state House May 30. Lamont, who has repeatedly shared his opposition to the measure—saying it “sends a terrible signal”—is expected to veto the bill. “I don’t like the striking workers bill and I’m not going to support it,” he told reporters as the Senate debated the legislation on May 28.
Federal Courts Weigh in on Tariffs » CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

Federal courts weighed in on tariffs this week, acting on lawsuits filed by small businesses and a number of states—including Connecticut—challenging the Trump administration’s authority to levy tariffs. The first—and most consequential decision—was issued May 28 by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which ruled that the tariffs the administration imposed in April were illegal.
Lawmakers Approve Apprenticeship Hiring Reforms » CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

Connecticut’s state House unanimously approved apprenticeship hiring reforms for the skilled trades May 28. House passage of HB 1465 followed the Senate’s unanimous approval two weeks earlier. The bill allows skilled trades companies held to the 3:1 apprenticeship hiring ratio to apply for an exemption from the Department of Consumer Protection.
100 Days in: What's Next for Business » CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

The following article first appeared in the Research & Insights section of PwC’s website. It is reposted here with permission. PwC’s May 2025 Pulse Survey shows that the current levels of business volatility could stick around. While nearly half (48%) of the business executives surveyed expect today’s uncertainty to last less than a year, many anticipate it could extend through the next presidential election.
Compensation Planning: Adapting to the Evolving Labor Landscape » CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

The following article was first posted in the Insights section of Mercer’s website. It is reposted here with permission. After years of disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. labor market returned to normalcy in 2024, but signs of decline are emerging in 2025. Quit rates align with pre-pandemic norms, layoffs remain low, and unemployment is still low. The labor market’s unprecedented conditions in 2022 and 2023 led to rapid compensation growth due to high demand for talent.
RTX: Striking Workers Bill 'Exacerbates' State's Labor Challenges » CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

The following letter was sent May 29 by RTX Corporation to members of the Connecticut House of Representatives. It is posted here with permission. Dear Representatives,I am writing to express RTX Corporation’s strong opposition to SB 8, AN ACT CONCERNING PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO WORKERS’ RIGHTS. We opposed this bill last year and continue to have grave concerns with this year’s bill.
Senate Approves UI Benefits for Striking Workers » CBIA

1 week ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

The state Senate approved controversial legislation May 28 that allows striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. SB 8 passed the Senate on a 24-11 party line vote after a five-hour debate, with Sen. Norm Needleman (D-Essex) absent. Language imposing a slew of restrictions on warehouse distribution centers was removed from the bill—a top priority this session for organized labor and Senate Democratic leadership—prior to the vote.
April Job Gains Erase First Quarter Losses » CBIA

2 weeks ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

Connecticut employers added 6,900 jobs in April, erasing first quarter losses as volatility continues to define the state’s employment picture. The April gains brought year-to-date growth to a net 2,600 new jobs based on the Department of Labor’s latest monthly report. Private sector employment increased by 6,800 last month and is now at an all-time high of 1,483,600.
Makerspace Pilot Program Wins Senate Passage » CBIA

2 weeks ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

The state Senate passed legislation May 15 establishing a pilot program that provides financial assistance to entities that establish a makerspace programSB 1179 defines makerspace as a community space that provides entrepreneurs access to tools, technology, production means, educational opportunities, and workforce development and training. The bill originated in the Commerce Committee and was introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators, including Sen. Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and Sen.
Senate Amends AI Bill, But Concerns Remain » CBIA

2 weeks ago | cbia.com | Joe Budd

The state Senate approved an omnibus artificial intelligence bill May 14, but only after making significant modifications to initial proposed regulatory reforms. The bipartisan amendment to SB 2 removed many provisions regulating AI use for developers, integrators, and deployers as well as language regulating the use of general-purpose AI. Instead, the bill now requires that anyone doing business in Connecticut disclose to each consumer who interacts with an AI system of that interaction.