Lamont Tries To Lure Businesses To CT After Supreme Court Abortion Decision

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont is urging businesses to consider relocating to Connecticut after the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

“If you are looking to relocate to a state that supports the rights of women and whose actions and laws are unwavering in support of tolerance and inclusivity, Connecticut is for you,” Lamont said in an open letter to businesses.

Lamont’s letter comes after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, which essentially overturns Roe v. Wade and leaves abortion laws up to the states. Connecticut has a long-standing law that codifies abortion access.

A new law went into effect today that expands abortion access in Connecticut. It allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to perform aspiration abortions in the first trimester.

The law also limits how much information state authorities and doctors can share when a person comes to Connecticut for an abortion. The law was written to help thwart out-of-state lawsuits related to abortions, particularly from Texas.

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The Dobbs decision created a complicated issue for many companies, since health insurance is primarily obtained through employers. Companies will need to evaluate whether their health insurance plan will cover abortion if they are based in a state that outlaws it, according to CNBC.

Some large businesses, including CVS Health, Apple and Disney, have already announced plans to cover travel expenses for employees who seek an abortion in another state.

Lamont also touted Connecticut as the most family-friendly in the U.S., with access to childcare and paid family medical leave.

“Connecticut businesses can count on a pro-growth environment, tax stability, and strong fiscal management,” he said. “We’re even providing the biggest tax cut in state history. Our workforce is well-known for its skill and productivity, and our team is investing in new initiatives to ensure our companies have the talent they need for the long run.”

Below is the full letter:

Dear business owners,

Now more than ever is the time to look at Connecticut as the future home of your business. We have the workforce, the high quality of life, and the values that we know will make you, your families, and your employees feel welcome.

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade means that access to reproductive rights will be decided by individual states. There are far-reaching implications for businesses and workers located in states likely to severely limit access to reproductive rights in the coming weeks. For many of you, we can imagine that new restrictions will feel like a betrayal and cause concern about where to live and work. Customers and employees alike will be attracted to states that protect reproductive rights for all.

We are writing to any business owner that is disappointed in the stance of their current state. If you are looking to relocate to a state that supports the rights of women and whose actions and laws are unwavering in support of tolerance and inclusivity, Connecticut is for you. Connecticut has a record of providing equal opportunity to all people and one of the strongest records when it comes to protecting reproductive rights.

Protection of women’s healthcare choices is one reason to do business in Connecticut, but there are a host of other reasons. We’re the most family-friendly state in America with access to the best childcare you can find anywhere and a paid family medical leave program that provides necessary time for workers to care for loved ones. Connecticut businesses can count on a pro-growth environment, tax stability, and strong fiscal management. We’re even providing the biggest tax cut in state history. Our workforce is well-known for its skill and productivity, and our team is investing in new initiatives to ensure our companies have the talent they need for the long run. We have an elite higher education system to provide the best home-grown talent you’ll find anywhere.

We know the prospect of leaving a state you’ve called home is difficult, but on behalf of the State of Connecticut, we want to assure you that we can make our small corner of New England feel like home very quickly.

If you are interested and want to learn more about doing business in Connecticut, please visit www.advancect.org. Advance CT is an organization focused on strengthening Connecticut’s business environment and recruiting firms to our state. If Connecticut could be the right place for your business, send an e-mail to governor.lamont@ct.gov and we can discuss this further.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Ned Lamont, Governor
Susan Bysiewicz, Lt. Governor