Connecticut House Bill HB05911

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Requiring An Analysis Of Business Tax Credits And Grant Programs For Businesses And Establishing A Legislative Tax Expenditure Subcommittee.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05911 will lead to more systematic oversight of business tax credits and grants. By requiring regular reports to the General Assembly, the bill aims to provide lawmakers with a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of these financial incentives. This could potentially result in adjustments to existing programs or the development of new policies better aligned with economic growth objectives and taxpayer interests. The establishment of a tax expenditure subcommittee is a significant component of this effort, as it will focus on analyzing the effectiveness of each credit and grant.

Summary

House Bill 05911 proposes the establishment of a legislative review mechanism for business tax credits and grant programs within the state. This legislation mandates that the Office of Fiscal Analysis conducts biennial evaluations of all such incentives, focusing on three key areas: the fiscal impact on state and municipal budgets, the number of taxpayers benefitting from these programs, and the estimated job creation resulting from these credits and grants. The intent behind these measures is to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for incentivizing business activities.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it will enhance fiscal responsibility and ensure that state incentives yield tangible benefits for taxpayers, critics may raise concerns about the possibility of reducing support for businesses that rely on these credits for growth and job creation. The debate may center around the balance between necessary oversight and fostering a conducive environment for business development. Stakeholders will have a vested interest in the outcomes of the evaluations performed by the Office of Fiscal Analysis, as they could influence future legislative decisions regarding fiscal policy and economic incentives.