Small Businesses Support Gov. Lamont’s Action to Reduce Regulatory Delays

On Jan. 16, NFIB released the following statement by State Director Andy Markowski in reaction to Governor Ned Lamont’s new executive order (E.O. No. 26-1) aiming to improve the processes and response times Connecticut residents and businesses face when applying for and renewing state licenses, certifications, and permits.

“Connecticut’s small business owners commend Governor Lamont for taking action to reduce the regulatory red tape that they face while working to serve their customers and grow their businesses. This new executive order is a welcome step toward reducing the unnecessary delays that hamper small business planning and competitiveness. The General Assembly should follow the Governor’s example by not passing any legislation that would add to the costs of doing business, pile on more complex regulations, or impose inflexible mandates, and they should take action to remove existing unnecessary regulations on employers. Don’t tie small business owners’ hands behind their backs even tighter than they already are in Connecticut.”

As the Governor’s EO announcement explained: “The executive order sets up a process that will ultimately enable residents and businesses to have their application fees refunded if their application has not been processed by certain, prescribed deadlines. It also implements a review of existing digital services that residents and businesses use to apply for licenses, certificates, and businesses, and directs state agencies to determine which license, certification, and permit processes could benefit from additional technological resources, including online applications.”

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CT Dept. of Consumer Protection Advises Businesses Regarding National Penny Shortage

On Jan. 13, the state Department of Consumer Protection advised that retail businesses who cannot make exact change should round down.

Specifically, businesses are advised to round down the charge to the nearest five cents if they are unable to make exact change for consumers paying with cash, due to the national penny shortage.

Connecticut law requires retailers to accept cash as a valid payment method. The law also requires that a customer cannot be charged more for paying with cash than another method of payment.

Here is an example given by the state: If a customer’s total is $19.97 and the customer cannot pay the exact total and the store cannot make exact change of 3 cents, the business should only charge the customer $19.95.

While there is no word yet on how this may impact sales tax calculation and remittance, NFIB will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed of any new guidance, as well as any opportunity to register feedback or questions.