CBIA BizCast host Ali Warshavsky speaks with CBIA's Eric Gjede about two important bills being debated this legislative session.

Gjede said employers welcomed HB 5003, which directs additional federal pandemic relief funds toward paying down the state’s huge unemployment trust fund debt.

“Until that debt is satisfied the business community will see higher and higher unemployment taxes each fall,” said Gjede.

While Gjede said reducing unemployment debt will help Connecticut’s economy, he criticized SB 163, which drastically restricts workplace communications.

Gjede said the language in the bill—which is essentially a gag order on employers— is too broad and preempts federal law.

“Why would you come here and want to invest here and grow your business here if you have to worry about talking to your employees here,” said Gjede.

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