Rutigliano Supports Boosting Connecticut Tourism
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Key Takeaways
- Rutigliano backs SB-2 to boost local economies through targeted tourism investments.
- Bill would allocate existing 1% Meals and Beverage Tax revenue to towns and tourism.
- Proposal splits revenue between collecting municipalities and a coordinated statewide tourism effort.
HARTFORD – State Rep. David Rutigliano, a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, voiced strong support for bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting tourism and local economies across Connecticut—both large and small.
“Tourism is not just about Mystic or New Haven pizza,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “As a small business owner, I know firsthand how important tourism and visitor spending are to the success of our local businesses and communities. When we attract events—whether it’s a major conference, a youth sports tournament, a college visit, or a weekend festival—those visitors stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores, and explore everything Connecticut has to offer.”
“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to recruit events of all sizes and invest in a smart, coordinated strategy that brings more people to our state and encourages them to spend their dollars right here in Connecticut,” he added.
The proposal, SB-2: An Act Supporting Local Commerce, would dedicate the existing 1% Meals and Beverage Tax revenue to Connecticut’s municipalities and tourism. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing on March 27 in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.
The 1% Meals and Beverage Tax, enacted in 2019, is applied to prepared food and certain beverages in addition to the state’s standard sales tax.
Under the proposal, revenue generated from this tax would be split between the municipality where it is collected and a strengthened, statewide tourism effort. The plan would provide much-needed support to local governments while investing in a coordinated, data-informed strategy to grow Connecticut’s visitor economy.
Tourism remains a critical driver of Connecticut’s economy. It supports more than 125,000 jobs, generates significant state and local tax revenue, and fuels economic activity in communities across the state. The industry produces an estimated $19.5 billion in total economic impact and attracts approximately 70 million visitors annually.
State officials estimate that for every $1 invested in tourism promotion, Connecticut sees a return of roughly $7 to $9 in tax revenue.