The Lamont administration officially launched last week, with the inauguration of Ned Lamont as the 89th governor of Connecticut and the convening of the 2019 legislative session. The Connecticut Technology Council is eager to work with this new administration to advocate for the goals and priorities of our state’s tech business community.
Thanks to the research we did preparing The Growth Agenda (which we published in spring of 2018), we are well-prepared to represent the needs of our members. We look forward to working with our lawmakers to help create a climate of growth and innovation in Connecticut–to establish our state as THE place to start and grow tech businesses.
Our Growth Agenda research indicated that tech business leaders have the same top priority as leaders across the state in a range of sectors, and that is getting the state’s fiscal house in order. Fiscal stability and a plan for economic growth are the two pillars that we believe will make the state attractive to innovative businesses. In addition, our members said they wanted to see Connecticut modernize our infrastructure, support tech workforce development, and improve communication among the departments tasked with serving the business community. CTC will continue to communicate those needs and goals to the people who can help us realize them.
CTC is also the source for thought leadership in technology fields. Among our members are experts in cybersecurity, blockchain, artificial intelligence, fintech and insuretech, and more. Our goal is to put these leaders in the spotlight, to make sure the legislature hears their voices when developing related policies.
We were honored to be invited to participate in Governor Lamont’s transition team, as well. Benjamin Wiles, attorney at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy and a member of our Public Policy Committee, and Cheryl Rice, our Manager of Membership and Public Policy, worked on the governor’s Digital Strategy Committee, and their final report can be found here. Many of the ideas expressed in the final Digital Strategy document came directly from the things we learned in the Growth Agenda, and we anticipate that Governor Lamont will advocate for many of these initiatives.
A new administration is an opportunity for a new start and a fresh perspective–and CTC is proud to help lead the way as the voice for Connecticut’s tech sector. Look for policy updates in our weekly emails for specifics on how we are helping to make a positive difference for our member companies.