Connecticut Lawmakers Advance Bill to Cut Small Business Energy Costs, Boost Tourism

CBIA BizCast highlights legislation aimed at reducing energy bills and supporting the state's tourism industry.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:04pm

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In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, host Amanda Marlow discusses a bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 2, that aims to reduce energy costs for small businesses and boost Connecticut's tourism industry. The bill includes a sales tax exemption on energy for many small businesses and provisions to support local tourism. The episode also features highlights from CBIA's When Women Lead conference, which brought together top women leaders in healthcare.

Why it matters

Small businesses in Connecticut have been grappling with rising energy costs, which can significantly impact their bottom line. This legislation seeks to provide relief by exempting many small businesses from the state sales tax on energy. Additionally, the tourism provisions aim to support an industry that was hit hard by the pandemic, helping to drive economic activity and job creation across the state.

The details

Senate Bill 2 passed out of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee on a bipartisan vote. The bill includes a sales tax exemption on energy for many small businesses, as well as measures to boost the state's tourism industry. CBIA vice president of public policy Chris Davis and senior policy director Pete Myers provided testimony in support of the bill. Business leaders, lawmakers, and advocates, including Bruce Becker, First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Aubrey LaMonica, Senator Cathy Osten, Scott Dolch, Representative David Rutigliano, Mayor Shari Cantor, Joe Delong, and Representative Farley Santos, spoke at a news conference in support of the tourism provisions.

  • Senate Bill 2 passed out of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee in April 2026.
  • CBIA's When Women Lead conference took place in Hartford last month.

The players

Amanda Marlow

Host of the CBIA BizCast.

Chris Davis

CBIA vice president of public policy.

Pete Myers

CBIA senior policy director.

Bruce Becker

Business leader and advocate.

Carl Fortuna

First Selectman of Old Saybrook.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Connecticut legislature will continue to debate and refine Senate Bill 2 as it moves through the legislative process.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing efforts by Connecticut lawmakers to support small businesses and the state's tourism industry, which have both faced significant challenges in recent years. The bipartisan support for the bill suggests a recognition of the importance of these issues to the state's economic recovery and growth.