Save Main Street CT: Pass Senate Bill 2!
Every town has a Main Street story. Fixing the meals tax protects it. Your Voice Matters.
Senate Bill 2 takes the 1% meals and beverage tax Connecticut already collects — over $100 million a year — and returns half to the towns that generated it, while dedicating the other half to marketing Connecticut as a destination worth visiting. No new taxes. Just giving communities what they've already earned.
We’re asking you to take these two important steps:
- Take 2 minutes to email your representative to VOTE YES on SB2. Email here.
- Show your support of SB2 at the State Capitol on Friday at 2PM. RSVP here.
What is SB2?
Senate Bill 2 proposes to redirect half of the revenue generated by Connecticut's existing 1% meals and beverage tax back to the municipalities where that revenue originated — and dedicate the other half to the state's tourism fund, which supports marketing Connecticut as a destination for visitors.
This is not coming from a new tax. It does not raise taxes on consumers or businesses. It simply changes where the money already being collected goes.
SB2 redirects 50% of the 1% meals and beverage tax revenue back to the municipality where it was collected, and the remaining 50% to the tourism fund, which includes marketing the state as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Where does the 1% Meals & Beverage Tax go now?
Since 2019, when the meals tax was raised from 6.35% to 7.35%, ALL additional revenue from that 1% surcharge has gone directly to the State General Fund. Towns get nothing. Tourism gets nothing. The industry gets nothing. Over $100 million is generated annual, and $0 has been reinvested into local communities, and just $4.5 million has been invested in statewide tourism marketing.
What does SB2 do?
- Redirects 50% of the 1% meals and beverage tax revenue back to the municipality where it was collected
- Dedicates the remaining 50% to the tourism fund, which includes marketing the state as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit
- Does not create a new tax or increase any existing tax rate
- Empowers local governments with predictable, performance-linked revenue
- Strengthens Connecticut's ability to compete nationally
Why does SB2 matter?
- Connecticut's restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries generate $1.5 billion in annual tax revenue for the state
- The 1% meals and beverage tax alone generates over $100 million per year
- Marketing budgets for Connecticut have dropped more than 60% in recent years, preventing the state from competing with neighbors
- Every $1 invested in tourism marketing generates $3.50 in tax revenue for the state while specific initiatives have generated as high as an $11 tax return on every $1 invested
Who supports SB2?
- Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association (CRHA)
- Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM)
- The Connecticut State Senate
- Local mayors and municipal leaders across Connecticut
- Hospitality operators, restaurant owners, and hotel managers statewide
- Tourism organizations and destination marketing groups
BY THE NUMBERS: Every $1 invested in tourism marketing generates $3.50 in tax revenue for the state while specific initiatives have generated as high as an $11 tax return on every $1 invested.
The businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities that generate this tax should have a path to see it returned. These are local employers and deep-rooted community anchors that make Connecticut’s municipalities what they are. SB2 returns 50% of revenue proportionally — the towns that generate more, get more back. Unrestricted, flexible funds for local leaders to use as their communities need. The other 50% funds marketing Connecticut as a destination, benefiting every business and every community in the state. Our neighboring states are outspending us. Visitors who would come here are going elsewhere. Every dollar invested in tourism marketing returns $3.50 in tax revenue. Fixing the meals tax gives us the resources to finally compete.
The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association will be at the State Capitol THIS FRIDAY at 10AM, hosting a press conference in support of SB2.
This legislation is about supporting our communities, strengthening local economies, and ensuring towns receive the resources they’ve already generated. Now is the time to come together and make that message clear.
We’re calling on restaurateurs, hoteliers, hospitality business owners & operators, and industry professionals from across the state to stand with us. Your presence sends a powerful message to lawmakers that this industry matters.
Join us, show your support, and make your voice heard.