House Republican Press Release

March 7, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Williams Supports Economic impact Statement Proposal

Bill Would Require Notification on Legislative Impact on Jobs, Economy

HARTFORD- State Representative Sean Williams (R-Watertown) today expressed support for legislation that would mandate that an economic impact statement be generated on legislation that may impact the economy of the state, and jobs in Connecticut.  The legislature currently requires similar fiscal impact statements for bills that may impact the state budget.

“When bills are passed in the legislature, there is often a great deal of discussion about how each measure might impact the state budget, or how much a project or initiative might cost,” said Rep. Williams.  “Unfortunately, it is rare that any concern is given to what a bill might cost the state in terms of our economy, or in job loss.  I have seen a number of anti-business measures pass up here, and I think it would inform the decisions of legislators when voting on these bills if they were to see an independent analysis of how their vote could affect the state’s economy.”

The bill, RB 352, is currently before the legislature’s Commerce Committee.  This regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly is scheduled to run until midnight, May 3^rd.