Rutigliano Advocates for ‘Pro-Jobs, Pro Growth, Pro-Entrepreneur’ Proposal

HARTFORD- State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) voted to support a bi-partisan pro-jobs proposal which establishes an Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit pilot program which aims to encourage and assist first-time entrepreneurs in certain business sectors.

Rep. Rutigliano said, “This proposal is a pro-job pro-growth program. Establishing an Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit pilot program will greatly assist a start-up company which must navigate a plethora of government agencies to get up and running. If this pilot is successful we in state government should expand the program to other business sectors. They are too many erroneous fees associated with starting a business in Connecticut.”

Under the bill, first-time entrepreneurs in the pilot program wishing to start new information technology, biotechnology, and green technology businesses are eligible for reimbursement under the program. Approved applicants receive reimbursement, for any state filing, permitting, or licensing fees associated with forming their business in Connecticut.

The key aspect of this legislation is that the permit would require the waiver of any state or municipal filing, licensing or permitting fee associated with starting a new business within those business tech sectors.

The National Federation of Independent Business testified at the public hearing that this is pro-small business bill that would meet two important goals. (1) It would directly address the special needs of the entrepreneurial community at which it is directly targeted and (2) It would leverage these benefits, generating returns to Connecticut in excess of its limited implementation cost.

Both the State Senate and the House of Representatives passed the bill unanimously and now the bill heads to the Governor for his signature.