Connecticut Senate Bill SB01133

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/13
• Refer: 3/14/13
• Report Pass: 3/26/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Bidding Preferences In State And Municipal Contracting.

Impact

The implementation of SB01133 would specifically affect state laws related to bidding processes within state contracting agencies. It aims to ensure that the bids reflect the tax burdens experienced by local employees, which may subsequently encourage contractors to employ local labor for state projects, thus potentially boosting local job markets. The bill also repeals certain provisions related to municipal contracts, allowing local governments greater discretion in establishing competitive bidding requirements for contracts.

Summary

SB01133, also known as An Act Concerning Bidding Preferences In State And Municipal Contracting, seeks to establish a system of bidding preferences for state and municipal contracts. This bill proposes that bidders be permitted to adjust their bid amounts to account for the estimated Connecticut state income taxes their employees would incur while working on the project. The adjustment would effectively allow the bid to be lower in financial terms, ideally attracting more local contractors and promoting employment within the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB01133 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, including local business associations that view it as an opportunity to level the playing field for local contractors. However, there are concerns from some legislators and advocacy groups that the bill could unintentionally favor larger companies that can absorb the impact of tax considerations better than smaller firms, thereby not achieving its primary goal of promoting local employment.

Contention

Debate about SB01133 has highlighted tensions between the need for local economic support and the potential unintended consequences of altering bid calculations in state contracts. Critics argue that the exempting provisions for local taxes might complicate bidding processes and yield a lack of transparency, as it can be difficult to ensure accurate forecasting of tax contributions by contractors' employees. Opponents call for a more balanced approach that maintains fair competition while encouraging local employment.