House GOP offers comprehensive jobs bill

State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) joined his House Republican colleagues today in offering a comprehensive jobs proposal during a legislative session at the Capitol.

The GOP proposal was comprised of the following pro-jobs initiatives.

- Repeal of Business Entity Tax on all businesses.

- Create small business revolving loan fund (direct loans only)–$25 million cap on the program.

- Job Creation Tax Credit Program—creates a tax credit for employers who employ 100 employees or less.  Employers may receive a $4,800/per employee for every employee the employer hires off the unemployment rolls.  Job must be a full-time. Cap on the program: $17.5 million.

- Requires that Jobs Impact Statements accompany bills and amendments.

- Department of Economic Development Permitting Process — Streamlines the permitting process to stimulate economy and job growth. Requires the commissioner of DECD to establish an office of the permit ombudsman for the purpose of expediting the review of permit applications for projects that meet certain criteria. 

The bill was defeated on a largely party-line vote. With just one week left in the legislative session, Rep. Frey said he is disappointed in the majority’s inaction on job creations and spending reductions.

“Connecticut has been losing jobs at a record rate. The House Republican proposal would help get small businesses, the engine of our economy, firing once again,” said Rep. Frey. “Time is running out on this legislative session, and the legislature needs to take some action. We don’t want to run out the clock on Connecticut’s economic recovery.”