The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Lamont looks to attract businesses to CT by pitching abortion rights
Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday made a pitch for businesses to relocate to Connecticut because of the freedom women have to make reproduction choices following the landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to reject the nearly 50-year-old abortion-rights laws.
In a minute-long video and an open letter to business owners, the pitch from Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz tout the state's workforce, educational opportunities, quality of life “and values that we know will make you, your families, and your employees feel welcome.” They warn of the “far-reaching implications” for business owners and their employees.
“For many of you, we can imagine that new restrictions will feel like a betrayal and cause concern
about where to live and work,” Lamont and Bysiewicz wrote. “Customers and employees alike will be attracted to states that protect reproductive rights for all. 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.”
Abortion rights have been codified in state law for about 30 years, and most recently the General Assembly approved a law with the hopes of making Connecticut a safe harbor for women seeking abortions, although tracking software and bounties offered by some states, including Oklahoma and Texas, will likely result in further court cases.
Lamont's pitch brags about the state's paid family and medical leave, child care opportunities, a “pro-growth environment, tax stability, and strong fiscal management” including the more than $600-million tax cut approved in the state budget that took effect on Friday.
“We know the prospect of leav
ing 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,” he said, suggesting interested people contact the state’s business recruiters at Advance CT.
Max Reiss, Lamont’s Capitol communications director, said that the letter and video were shared with news outlets throughout the country. “We figure that if this pitch is going to get coverage, the best way to get the message out is locally sourced media outlets,” Reiss said in a morning phone interview. “If there’s someone interested, they know how to get in touch.”