Employee Retention Credit (ERC) An Update
If you’re a business owner in Connecticut still waiting on your Employee Retention Credit (ERC) check, don’t hesitate to take action - call your House Delegate’s Connecticut office today.
Lawmakers are there to support constituents like you, especially when it comes to unresolved federal issues impacting your business. Delays in ERC processing have affected many across the state, and your delegate’s office can help escalate your case with the IRS, potentially speeding up the process.
A simple call could make a real difference, ensuring your concerns are heard and your business gets the support it’s owed.
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes’ Waterbury Office: (860)-223-8412
Congressman Jim Himes’ CT Offices: Bridgeport - (203)333-6600 Stamford - (203) 353-9400
Congressman John Larson’s East Hartford Office: (860) 278-8888
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s New Haven Office: (203) 562-3718
Congressman Joe Courtney’s CT Offices: Norwich - (860) 741-6011 Enfield - (860) 886-0139
National Restaurant Association: Public Affairs Conference 2025
President & CEO Scott Dolch and Board Chairman Keith Beaulieu of The Main Pub in Manchester, alongside CRA Board Members and CT restaur
ant owners and operators attended the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C last week.
The Public Affairs Conference is the restaurant industry's largest grassroots advocacy event, and was an opportunity to make our voice heard on the policies that directly impact the industry.

The group met with Federal Delegates on Capitol Hill to discuss the issues that directly affect independent restaurant owners, and networked with other state associations, fellow restaurateurs and political officials, all in the name of making positive change for restaurants and foodservice business owners.
Discussed issues included:
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Lowering swipe fees
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Extending the QBI Deduction
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Restoring full deductibility of capital expenses
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Restoring the Business Interest Expense Deduction
and so much more!
Huge thank you to Legislative Committee Members Tim Adams of J.Timothy's Taverne, Christina Fitzgerald of Geronimo Hospitality Co., Doug Polistena of The Amber Room Colonnade, and Board Member Ryan O’Donnell of Pullman & Comley, as well as CRA Members Sam DeVellis & Eli Hawli of Market Hospitality Group who joined us for this year's Conference!
S.B. No. 1460: An Act Concerning Interchange Fees on Electronic Payment Transactions
A reminder to contact your legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 1460. Senate Bill 1460: An Act Concerning Interchange Fees on Electronic Payment Transactions could have a significant impact on the restaurant industry and small businesses across Connecticut. We need your voice to support it.
Why is this bill important?
Currently, your business pays interchange fees to collect and remit state sales, which is unfair to every business in the state. These fees eat into our already slim margins and make it harder for small businesses to thrive in Connecticut. Senate Bill 1460 seeks to eliminate these fees, offering critical relief to restaurants and other small businesses.
Here’s why we need to support Senate Bill 1460:
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Lower costs for small businesses: Eliminating interchange fees means less financial strain, helping us reinvest more into our businesses, employees, and communities.
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Promoting fair competition: Reducing these costs helps small businesses stay competitive and sustainable in an increasingly difficult economic environment.
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Supporting local businesses: This bill would directly benefit restaurants, retail, and service businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of Connecticut’s economy.
Now is the time for our industry to come together and raise your voice to ensure that this critical piece of legislation passes.
Please take a moment to contact your legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 1460. Click here to send an email to your officials. You can easily personalize your message to share why this bill is important to your business, your employees, and your customers.
Take Action
Read Our Action Alert Here
Latest On Tariffs
U.S. stock markets surged on Wednesday, April 9, after Pres. Trump announced a 90-day suspension of steeper tariffs on goods from many countries, opting instead for a 10% universal import tax. However, Trump simultaneously raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125% immediately.
The move followed days of market turmoil and recession fears driven by the escalating trade war. The S&P 500 jumped 7%, while the Dow and Nasdaq also posted major gains. Analysts noted that Trump's shift came after both stock and bond markets showed signs of severe stress, though they cautioned that a quick resolution between the U.S. and China remains unlikely.
Bill Tracker: Updated Weekly
The Connecticut Restaurant Association actively monitors a wide range of legislation throughout each legislative session. It's important to note that the introduction of a bill does not guarantee its passage.
The CRA Bill Tracker gives you a sense of the breadth and variety of legislation we track throughout session, as well as an overview on the status of each bill. This webpage is updated weekly, and we will keep you informed on any movement through our Advocacy in Action emails and text alerts.
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