Rep. Dave Rutigliano and Trumbull Resident Bob Montanari Testify in Favor of Common Sense Proposals for Small Businesses

TRUMBULL– State Representative Dave Rutigliano (R-123) testified in support of SB 945, an Act Concerning the Payment of Security Deposits to Municipal Utilities.  The bill would require municipal utilities to develop a plan to return security deposits of commercial and industrial customers in a timely manner.  Rutigliano testified alongside Trumbull resident and small businessman Bob Montanari.

“One of the best things about being a state representative is seeing a constituent’s idea become legislation,” said Rutigliano. “This proposal stemmed from a conversation I had with Bob and is a common sense solution that will allow businesses like his to hire more employees, buy new equipment, and grow as a business.  We need to make Connecticut more business friendly and this bill is a step in the right direction.”

The idea for the legislation came from an experience Montanari and many other business owners faced over their utility bill.  Currently, business owners must put down three month’s security deposit to begin their utility service.   The amount is based on the previous tenant’s electric bill, and is not given back until the business leaves the location.  The large sum of money ties up capital for business owners that could be using the money to grow their businesses and hire more employees.

“I want to thank Rep. Rutigliano and the members of the committee for their hard work on this important piece of legislation,” Montanari said. “Revenues are down in small businesses from where they were 5 or 6 years ago.  This legislation would help free up capital so my business could better compete and create more jobs.  It is also a great example of how businesses can work together with their local representatives to create more opportunity in our state.”

For more information on the bill please visit www.cga.ct.gov or click the link here.