This past February, working in tandem with the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), Charlie Sears, President of Dri-Air along with Rebecca Kayfus of Thomaston Savings Bank testified before the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee on two bills—SB 544 and HB 7042—that address rising healthcare costs.
They both urged legislators to support the bills, noting that health insurance is one cost companies cannot control.
The CBIA is the voice of business in Connecticut, with thousands of member companies championing change at the State Capitol, shaping debate about economic competitiveness, and fighting for a better future for all. Although the members of CBIA’s public policy team are at the Capitol daily and testify on various bills, they feel it’s always better when lawmakers hear firsthand from business owners—Connecticut’s job creators—on the impact of proposed legislation.
“Our public policy team members are great and when they testify, it’s with full knowledge of a bill,” said CBIA Public Affairs Manager Nicole Cline. “But when members of the business community testify, it always carries a lot of weight because they bring real-world experiences—in many cases, decades of experience.”
Encouraging testimony on legislation that could affect businesses is one of many ways CBIA works to involve the business community in the state’s legislative process so their voices are heard.
CBIA drew more than 300 businesses leaders from across Connecticut to Hartford on March 8 for its annual Business Day at the Capitol. And CBIA seeks to encourage stronger relationships between business leaders and their elected representatives through the popular Adopt a Legislator program. This unique initiative is designed to help business leaders easily and effectively build relationships with their state lawmakers.
Getting members involved in the legislative process is just one way CBIA fights to make Connecticut a top state for business, jobs and economic growth and Dri-Air is proud to be a part of their efforts.
To read the full CBIA article – click here.