State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36) is applauding the General Law Committee for passing S.B. 135 out of committee, one of his legislative priorities aimed at supporting Connecticut’s workforce, making Connecticut more affordable, and strengthening the economy.
“Qualified workers should not have to pay extra taxes and fees just for the right to work in Connecticut! Workers from tree trimmers to sheet metal contractors, preschool teachers to doctors, among others, should not have to pay over $500 per year just for the right to work here,” Fazio said in a release. “By cutting occupational licensing fees for Connecticut workers, we can make our state more affordable and desirable for working and middle-class families. I appreciate the support of the General Law Committee for unanimously advancing this legislation, which reflects language from a bill that I introduced with a bipartisan group of colleagues.”
“Our bill to cut worker licensing fees will help create opportunity and upward mobility in our state,” he added.
The legislation caps occupational licensing fees administered by the Department of Consumer Protection at $100 per year and eliminates application fees for the license. Its sister bill, S.B. 74, submitted by the same bipartisan group of lawmakers, will cap occupational license fees administered by the Department of Public Health at $200 per year and eliminate those application fees to improve recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, too. That bill is pending a vote from the Finance Committee.
“Let’s continue to work together to ensure Connecticut is a state where everyone can afford to live, work, and thrive. Passing S.B. 135 and S.B. 74 will do just that,” Senator Fazio added..