UConn Earns Defense Industry Dollars, Research Designation

UConn Earns Defense Industry Dollars, Research Designation

Connecticut’s economic dependence on the defense industry is evident not only across the industry, but at the state’s flagship university. In recent months, the University of Connecticut has been re-designated as a National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research and landed a four-year, $5.4 million contract with the Air Force

Read More

Soda Tax in Doubt (Again) As CT Legislative Session Nears Conclusion; Study Finds Sales Drop When Prices Climb

Soda Tax in Doubt (Again) As CT Legislative Session Nears Conclusion; Study Finds Sales Drop When Prices Climb

In February, USA Today suggested that “Connecticut may become the first state in the country to tax sugar-sweetened beverages if Gov. Ned Lamont has his way.” With two weeks remaining in the legislative regular session, and budget negotiations within sight of their goal, the tax may be left behind.

Read More

Connecticut-based Health Plans Boost State’s Economy, Study Finds

Connecticut-based Health Plans Boost State’s Economy, Study Finds

A recent study on economic impact of Connecticut-based health plans indicates they have a significant influence on the state’s economic health.  The health plans – all household names in Connecticut – provide $15 billion a year in positive economic output, according to a study by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC).

Read More

Greater New Haven Economic Update Reflects Trends

Greater New Haven Economic Update Reflects Trends

The population change in the New Haven region’s municipalities (between 2010 and 2016) was negligible - an increase of 0.14%. The largest population losses during the six-year period were in Meriden (-665) and West Haven (-592) while the largest increases were in Milford (+671), New Haven (+626) and Hamden (+516). A draft economic development report, open for public comments through May 26, has the data.

Read More

Banks, Regulated by Federal Government, Obliged to Say No To Marijuana Businesses - States Urge Congress to Act

Banks, Regulated by Federal Government, Obliged to Say No To Marijuana Businesses - States Urge Congress to Act

Attorney General William Tong has joined a bipartisan coalition of 38 states and territorial attorneys general urging Congress to pass the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act or similar measures that would give legal marijuana-related businesses access to the federal banking system. Today, banks say no to marijuana-related businesses due to the ongoing conflict between state and federal law.

Read More

State’s Commercial Fishing Industry Wary of Push Toward Wind Turbines in Coastal Waters

State’s Commercial Fishing Industry Wary of Push Toward Wind Turbines in Coastal Waters

Commercial fishing, a mainstay of Connecticut commerce, is raising a cautionary voice – even as the state is doubling down on the potential benefits of wind power off the state’s shoreline, aimed at increasing energy efficiency and economic development. Don’t grow one renewable resource at the cost of another, they stress, as the legislature ponders action.

Read More

Food-Related Ads Targeting Black and Hispanic Youth Almost Exclusively Promote Unhealthy Food and Drinks

Food-Related Ads Targeting Black and Hispanic Youth Almost Exclusively Promote Unhealthy Food and Drinks

Restaurant, food, and beverage companies (food companies) target Hispanic and Black children and teens with ads almost exclusively for fast food, candy, sugary drinks, and unhealthy snacks, according to a report from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut

Read More