Candelora Takes Lead with New Manufacturing Caucus

Deputy House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers from across the state this morning to announce the formation of a new Manufacturing Caucus in the Connecticut General Assembly.  Candelora, who will serve as one of the four chairs of the new caucus, said that a legislative focus on manufacturing will be essential to navigatingConnecticut into improved economic conditions and recovering jobs the state has lost over the past several years. “Manufacturers are always the first to feel a coming recession, and they are always the first to see a recession start to lift,” said Rep. Candelora, who has extensive experience in manufacturing through his work with his family-owned Taconic Wire located inNorth Branford.  “A vibrant manufacturing sector will ensure quicker economic recovery.  Manufacturers are on the front lines in this economy and they are one of the most essential elements toward higher employment and greater prosperity.” Manufacturing has historically contributed more than 60 percent ofU.S.exports – or about $50 billion a month – and multiplied every dollar spent into an additional $1.37 in economic activity.  According to a recent Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers report, the total value of manufacturing toConnecticutis posted at more than $25.9 billion in GSP, or 11.4% of our state’s total employment. Connecticutmanufacturers explore the boundaries of science, technology and commerce and are vital to our state economy, but they are under siege at home and abroad.  Unbalanced global competition, rising costs and the constricted availability of capital are all threats to this critical economic sector. Candelora said he hopes that the new caucus will have a positive impact on educating other legislators about the consequences legislation may have on the manufacturing sector, and said that those goals go across part lines. “I am pleased that this is a truly bipartisan effort,” said Candelora.  “It demonstrates that there is significant and united support for manufacturing inConnecticut, which will be essential going forward.”