2026 Legislative Preview

In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, Amanda Marlow sits down with CBIA policy chief Chris Davis to break down the start of the 2026 General Assembly Session, Gov. Ned Lamont’s State of the State address, key legislative proposals, and what business leaders—especially small businesses—should be watching closely in the weeks ahead. The episode also features highlights from a conversation between Davis and a bipartisan panel of lawmakers that included Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven), Rep. Jack Fazzino (D-Berlin), and Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-East Granby) at CBIA’s Jan. 29 Economic Summit + Outlook. Episode Highlights, Topics What’s New in the 2026 Legislative Session Overview of early session priorities and the Lamont’s budget proposals Why a proposal to extend R&D tax credits to pass-through entities could boost investment, job growth, and business retention in Connecticut Concerns about Lamont’s proposal to pay for a one-time rebate for families making under $400,000 Legislative proposal eliminates the sales tax on energy costs for small businesses Support for proposals to lower healthcare costs including a renewed pus for Association Health Plans and support for tax credits tied to ICHRA health benefit accounts Efforts to expand workforce readiness and career pipeline programs Highlights from Legislative Panel Lawmakers’ views on affordability: healthcare, childcare, housing, and higher education Workforce transportation including first-mile/last-mile and microtransit solutions The importance of trades, manufacturing careers, and early exposure for students Headlines You May Have Missed Environmental permitting reform proposals Labor committee bills resurfacing from past sessions New data on Connecticut’s labor force and population trends The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear from by emailing [email protected].