Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1455435
22 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | FEBRUARY 28, 2021 In 2021 she promised a major infrastructure spending bill that would help with Connecticut's aging roads and bridges, and she and President Joe Biden delivered. Late last year Congress gave final approval to the $1.1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will bring about $5.4 billion to Connecticut over the next five years. The money will be used to enhance public transit, repair roads and bridges and expand broadband coverage and electric vehicle charging networks. All members of the state Congressional delegation supported the legislation. In terms of supporting industry in Greater Hartford, U.S. Rep. John Larson has been a stalwart backer of the region's defense manufacturing industry. That makes sense given the East Hartford resident has jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney in his backyard. Larson also sits on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, which shapes the federal tax code, and chairs the Social Security Subcommittee. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal can often be seen on the airwaves opining about the U.S.' international relations or coronavirus response, and touting gun reform legislation or debt-free college. Rep. Jahana Hayes, a former teacher, leads on advocating for equitable access to educational opportunities, while Rep. Joe Courtney advocates for Connecticut's defense and agricultural industries. Rep. Jim Himes is a former Goldman Sachs banker who represents Fairfield County and is chair of the National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. 2022 POWER 50 W ith the 2022 legislative session underway, Rep. Matt Ritter and Sen. Martin Looney continue to preside over Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, respectively, making them major influencers in shaping state policy. Looney (D-New Haven) is the Senate President Pro Tempore, who was first elected in 1992. He's now in his fourteenth Senate term and has been known for advocating for progressive policies, including an earned income tax credit for the working poor, increases to the minimum wage, and paid family and medical leave. Ritter (D-Hartford) comes from a political family. His father Tom Ritter was a former House Speaker and is now a partner at law firm Brown Rudnick in Hartford. Tom Ritter also sits on the UConn board of trustees. Matt Ritter & Martin Looney Greater Hartford Congressional Delegation Matt Ritter's mother, Christine E. Keller, is a justice on the state Supreme Court. Ritter and Looney both know well how business runs inside the Capitol, but the pandemic presented new challenges as the public — including lobbyists and other special interests — was barred from entering the building during last year's legislative session. This session the state Capitol will be open for business, although committee meetings, at least at the start, will be held virtually. Meanwhile, Connecticut is still dealing with the pandemic and the state's economic recovery has been slower than the national average. A significant workforce shortage affecting many industries has only made matters worse. Ritter and Looney have said one of their key priorities this year will be passing significant legislation to shore up the state's mental healthcare system, particularly services for children. Other healthcare reforms are also on the table. They will also be wrestling with various proposals to cut taxes amid a sizable budget surplus, helped by a massive influx of federal stimulus dollars. 2 Martin Looney Matt Ritter D emocrats have monopolized Connecticut's congressional offices, holding both U.S. Senate seats and all five House seats. And with Democrats now controlling the presidency, House and Senate, Connecticut's congressional delegation has only seen its power and influence grow, at least until November's midterm elections. Most notably, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro has become the first Connecticut member ever to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, one of the most influential posts on federal spending. Richard Blumenthal Chris Murphy Jim Himes Jahana Hayes John Larson Joe Courtney Rosa DeLauro 3