State Senator James Maroney Votes in Favor of Bill Concerning Incentives for Qualified Data Centers
Yesterday, during the State’s Senate Session, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in favor of an act concerning incentives for qualified data centers in the state. The bill would increase opportunity for Connecticut to become a major leader in a fast-growing industry. In a business world that is becoming increasingly more dependent on the Cloud, these data centers are growing exponentially. Connecticut wants to be part of this future.
“At one point we were the most innovative state in the nation,” said Sen. Maroney. “With the addition of data centers throughout the state, this further builds upon the state’s history in communication. One of the cities I represent is Milford and a Milford resident, George Willard Coy, invented the switchboard. We spearheaded modern communications by telephone with the growth of a data center industry, it will put Connecticut at the forefront of modern communication and modern economy.”
The bill, SB 6514, known as An Act Concerning Incentives For Qualified Data Centers To Locate In The State, would offer sales tax incentives to promote development of data centers. It would waive sales taxes for up to 30 years on data centers that invest at least $400 million in a facility in a qualified opportunity zone in Connecticut, or at least $200 million if the facility is located in an ‘enterprise zone’. These zones are areas which are encouraging economic growth and development.
Also under the bill, a qualified data center, which means a facility that is developed, acquired, constructed, rehabilitated, renovated, repaired, or operated to house a group of networked computer servers in one physical location, would be exempt from any financial transactions tax or fee that may be imposed by the state through trades of stocks, bonds, or any other financial products. This exemption would last for a period of 30 years from the date of construction of the facility is completed.
Currently, there are 11 data centers in Connecticut. These buildings house computer systems and centralize an organization’s shared IT operations, equipment, storage, management, and dissemination of data and information pertaining to a particular business. Building additional data centers throughout the state increase opportunity for economic growth. The construction of these facilities would provide high paying jobs and with a big boost in the construction industry.
Data centers eliminate costs. They utilize a system that can withstand unfavorable power conditions that generators and surge suppressors cannot. The cost of power and cooling has increased significantly in recent years. Data center managers are responsible for achieving high availability while simultaneously reducing power costs.
Senator Needleman Announces Bridge, Route 154 Closure in Old Saybrook Through May for Replacement
Senator Needleman Announces Bridge, Route 154 Closure in Old Saybrook Through May for Replacement
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) reported that the Connecticut Department of Transportation will close Route 154 in Old Saybrook from March 8 to May 31 to facilitate the replacement of Bridge 02708, which carries Route 154 over Plum Bank Creek.
This project consists of a full replacement of the bridge, with construction seeing the existing bridge reconstructed with precast substructure elements and prestressed concrete deck units to form the bridge deck. Overhead utilities relocated last season will be permanently relocated and a 12-inch watermain will be installed.
Detours will be in place for traffic normally moving north and south on the bridge:
- Drivers traveling north are asked to continue south of the bridge on Route 154 for 0.9 miles, then turn left onto Maple Avenue and continue for 1.3 miles. They should then turn left on Main Street, continuing half a mile, then left onto Old Boston Road for 0.7 miles. Finally, they should turn left again onto Route 154 and follow for 1.1 miles.
- Drivers traveling south are asked to continue north of the bridge for 1.1 miles, turn right onto Old Boston Post Road and travel 0.7 miles to Main Street. After traveling another half-mile, they should turn right onto Maple Avenue, then continue for 1.3 miles until Route 154 is reached. Finally, they should turn right and follow Route 154 for 0.9 miles.
The project is expected to be completed July 30, 2021.
State Senator Marilyn Moore Awards Dr. Anthony Bennett for Work Done on Social Justice
State Senator Marilyn Moore Awards Dr. Anthony Bennett for Work Done on Social Justice
State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) is congratulating Dr. Anthony L. Bennett after he received the 2021 MLKJHC Award. As the Deputy President Pro Tempore of the State of Connecticut Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, Senator Moore was able to present this award to Dr. Bennett last week for the transformative impact he has made in the local community and beyond.
“Dr. Bennett has truly made an impact in our community and he deserves recognition for his hard work, dedication, and passion he has as a Social Justice Activist,” said Sen. Moore. “Today we are living in a world where we are continuously working on equality to all and Dr. Bennett is a leader to learn from. I am thrilled to be able to present him with this award.”
Dr. Bennett was also honored on a National Level by the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference, Inc. He was recognized for his national work on Social Justice and the impact he has made on leaders to come, receiving its “Beautiful Are Their Feet” Award.
The Commission also awarded Mount Aery Baptist Church with the 2021 MLKJHC Legend Award as the “congregation that exemplifies the ideals and philosophies of Dr. King”. They went on to state that “Mount Aery Baptist Church has been instrumental in keeping Dr. King’s dream alive by inspiring so many people in Bridgeport to reach their highest potential through volunteer services, community outreach, and in leadership roles available through various ministries at Mount Aery.”
With Eye on Connecticut’s Future, Senator Anwar Supports Legislation in Senate Supporting Data Center Development
With Eye on Connecticut’s Future, Senator Anwar Supports Legislation in Senate Supporting Data Center Development
Focused on the continuing importance of Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs that will bolster the state for decades, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today voted in support of legislation in the Senate that would provide financial incentives for qualified data centers in the state. Once it is sworn into law by the Governor’s office after today’s approval in the Senate and last week’s approval in the House, this legislation would increase Connecticut’s ability to lead the fast-growing industry, offering sales tax benefits in exchange for investments in the state’s community. Sen. Anwar also noted the potential environmental issues of the legislation raise concerns to him, which he’s happy are being addressed.
“I welcome this effort, as it is expected to increase revenue, business opportunities and investment in our state,” said Sen. Anwar. “However, I’m concerned about the environmental implications these large, energy-using facilities could have. I’m encouraged that legislative leadership and the Governor’s office for their renewed commitment to environmental issues, including supporting the legislation’s strengthened emissions standards and requiring new buildings to conform to green certification. To me, environmental justice will be just as critical as bolstering our community; we can have economic growth without compromising our values.”
House Bill 6514, “An Act Concerning Incentives For Qualified Data Centers To Locate In The State,” would offer sales tax incentives to promote development of data centers, waiving sales taxes for up to 30 years on data centers with investment of at least $400 million in a facility in qualified opportunity zones in Connecticut, or at least $200 million if the facility is located in an ‘enterprise zone’. These zones encourage economic growth and development.
Also under the bill, a qualified data center, which means a facility that is developed, acquired, constructed, rehabilitated, renovated, repaired, or operated to house a group of networked computer servers in one physical location, would be exempt from any financial transactions tax or fee that may be imposed by the state through trades of stocks, bonds, or any other financial products. This exemption would last for a period of 30 years from the date construction of the facility is completed.
Currently, there are 11 data centers in Connecticut. These buildings house computer systems and centralize organizations’ shared IT operations, equipment, storage, management, and dissemination of data and information pertaining to a business. Building additional data centers throughout the state increase opportunities for economic growth. The construction of these facilities would provide high paying jobs, specifically providing a big boost in the construction industry, while the industry itself is expected to continue seeing growth in coming years, expected to be valued at close to $70 billion by 2024.
East Windsor Delegation Excited for Economic, Environmental Benefits as Town Chosen as Site for Largest Solar Development in Northeast
East Windsor Delegation Excited for Economic, Environmental Benefits as Town Chosen as Site for Largest Solar Development in Northeast
The East Windsor delegation, including State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), State Representative Jamie Foster (D-East Windsor) and East Windsor First Selectman Jason E. Bowsza, celebrated news from last week that the Connecticut Siting Council approved the largest solar development in the northeastern United States, with that development to be built in East Windsor. The project will generate the equivalent of 23,000 homes, more than twice the population of East Windsor itself, over a 485-acre site. The project is expected to be complete in late 2022 or early 2023.
“This project represents a major opportunity for East Windsor, not only in the economic benefits of hosting such a solar development but the environmental benefits that will come with such an increase in renewable energy accessibility in our state,” said Sen. Anwar. “This will bolster local use of land and provide benefits locally and across Connecticut.”
“This project will have a far-reaching impact on the town of East Windsor. As a supporter of clean energy, I am thrilled that the largest solar farm in the Northeast will be in my community, ” said Rep. Foster. ” In addition to the environmental benefits, the project will generate local job opportunities as well. Although farmland is included in this project, it is important to remember that the land can be used for farming after the life of the solar panels end.”
“I am exceptionally proud to see this project win approval,” First Selectman Bowsza said. “This project has been under development since just after I took office, and it presents an opportunity for East Windsor to be a part of the state’s renewable energy goals while seeing a significant increase in local tax revenue for the town.”
Gravel Pit Solar, a 120-megawatt solar project, will be built on 485 acres of land in East Windsor including fields, woods and quarries, with construction expected as soon as this year. Connecticut has purchased 20 megawatts of power, while Rhode Island has purchased 50, with the remainder to be sold to additional buyers.
It is expected that the East Windsor project will be a large source of property tax revenue for the town, with an agreement requiring owners to pay $378,000 annually for 20 years, plus a $1.5 million impact payment at the beginning of construction. It is also expected for the project to spur significant job growth.
Senate Leaders Announce Plans for Environmental Protections Regarding Data Centers
Senate Leaders Announce Plans for Environmental Protections Regarding Data Centers
Senate is expected to pass data center bill from last week but committed to legislation later this session to address environmental aspects of data centers
Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senate Chair of the Environment Committee Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) announced a commitment to vote on a new bill later this legislative session to strengthen environmental protections around the emerging data center industry.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed HB 6514, An Act Concerning Incentives for Qualified Data Centers to Locate in the State, which provides tax incentives to attract data centers to Connecticut. The Senate will take up the same bill today but plans to vote on a bill later on in the 2021 session to address the environmental impacts of data centers, including green building standards, emission standards for diesel generators used by data centers, and environmental justice. The future legislation would seek to address both ambient air quality and Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emission goals.
“Over my legislative career Connecticut has made steady and significant progress on environmental protection, undoing much of the damage caused by generations of polluting industry and inadequate government regulations,” said Senator Looney. “However, I see firsthand the fight that urban residents are still waging against polluters that threaten the health and safety of their community. The Senate plans to take up the bill to attract data centers today and a future bill to avoid contributing to the neglect of the environment which is unfortunately the legacy of the past and a burden on our present.”
“Connecticut is well positioned to attract new industries like data centers,” said Senator Duff. “We have some of the fastest latency speeds in the country, a highly trained workforce, homegrown tradespeople ready to build and the available real estate. With that in mind, we also have a responsibility to be good stewards for our environment. That means acknowledging climate change and mitigating environmental impacts. I look forward to building on Connecticut’s successes like our aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), recent large procurement of wind energy and our growing solar industry. It’s not an ‘either/or’ scenario. We can build a twenty first century economy and breathe clean air at the same time.”
“Connecticut is a leader in protecting our air, water, and land ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations,” said Senator Cohen. “We want to continue our environmental progress and we must be mindful of that as we look to attract data centers. With new industry comes new environmental considerations and I am proud that we will be taking subsequent actions to strike that balance.”
Senator McCrory Supports Legislation to Address Workplace Discrimination, End Liens on Welfare Recipients’ Homes
Senator McCrory Supports Legislation to Address Workplace Discrimination, End Liens on Welfare Recipients’ Homes
In Addition, the Senator Supported Higher PILOT Grants for Cities and Towns, and Job-Growth Legislation on Data Center Development
Today, State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) voted for several pieces of legislation including the C.R.O.W.N. Act that would prohibit workplace discrimination against individuals for wearing ethnic hairstyles, support economic and job growth in the state of Connecticut, and end the practice of placing liens on the homes of welfare recipients.
“We have this piece of legislation here today and we can send a message to every other state in this Union that on this day Connecticut is going to say we are going to let our Queens wear their crowns without prejudice,” Sen. McCrory said in speaking about the C.R.O.W.N. Act.
Prohibiting Workplace Discrimination of Hair Styles
The C.R.O.W.N. Act, prohibits workplace discrimination against individuals for wearing ethnic hairstyles that are historically associated with race.
The new bill expands the definition of “race” in the state’s antidiscrimination laws to be inclusive of traits like hair texture and protective hairstyles, which can include braids, locs and twists, which are historically associated with an individual’s race.
The bill comes as about 80 percent of Black women have said they feel they need to change their natural hair color to fit in at their workplace. Black women are also three times more likely to have their hairstyles called “unprofessional” compared to white women, and Black women are 50 percent more likely than white women to have been sent home from the workforce solely due to their hair.
Ending the Placing Liens on the Homes of Welfare Recipients
According to a recent report regrading state liens placed on the property of former cash assistance recipients, at least 12 states have laws authorizing the placement of liens to recover state or federal public assistance paid to a property owner. Connecticut laws cover the broadest range of public assistance programs, and is one of only two states to place liens on family cash assistance.
Such liens are often unknown to the property owner and arise only during refinancing or when the owner attempts to sell their property. These liens undo a lifetime of financial progress and make it more difficult to refinance a home, subject vulnerable homeowners to pay higher housing costs, and often prevents older residents from retiring when they should.
The bill revokes all such liens as of July 1 and ceases the enforcement on any pending liens by that date as well.
Higher State PILOT (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) Grants for Cities and Towns
Cities and towns lose out on collecting local property taxes when they have “non-taxable” property in town such as hospitals, airports, private universities, state-owned property and other land. For years, Connecticut has not spent enough on such PILOT grants, setting aside only about 25% of what is needed. That means cities and towns have to either increase local property taxes or cut local services to make up the difference.
In a concept that was first proposed by Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney (D-New Haven) in late January, the bill creates three tiers of municipalities for new, minimum state PILOT grants. House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said that the bill was proposed in order to put down a “marker” for upcoming biennial state budget negotiations with the governor’s office.
The bill defines Tier 1 towns as having an equalized net grand list of less than $100,000 per person. Tier 2 towns have an equalized net grand list of between $100,000 and $200,000 per person, and Tier 3 towns have an equalized net grand list of more than $200,000 per person.
The state currently funds PILOT at about 25% of its full formula. Under the bill, Tier 1 towns would receive a minimum of 50% of their calculated state PILOT funding, Tier 2 towns 40%, and Tier 3 towns 30%.
Tax Incentives to Support Data Centers, Job-Creation in Opportunity Zones
The bill increases Connecticut’s chances of becoming a leader in the creation of new data centers by waiving sales taxes for up to 30 years on data centers that invest at least $400 million in a facility in a qualified opportunity zone, or at least $200 million if the facility is located in an enterprise zone.
Such data centers would also be exempt from any financial transaction tax or fee that may be imposed by the state through trades of stocks, bonds, or other financial products. This exemption would last for 30 years from the date any new facility is completed.
Senator Hartley Votes for Legislation Concerning Tax Incentives for Qualified Data Centers, Supporting Job Creation
Senator Hartley Votes for Legislation Concerning Tax Incentives for Qualified Data Centers, Supporting Job Creation
Senator Hartley today supported the governor’s economic incentives legislative proposal to attract and grow Data Centers in Connecticut. Recognizing that Data Centers are central to the emerging technologies that are revolutionizing our world and are fundamental to advances in medicine, health care, manufacturing, finance and education and so much more.
Sen. Hartley stated, “This forward-looking legislation positions Connecticut to compete in the digital economy, Connecticut’s geography gives us an edge to offer greater rapidity, in conjunction with this bill’s economic incentives we have the potential to be a destination for hyper scale data centers. I am proud to join in bipartisan support of this bill to encourage job and business growth in the Waterbury region and throughout the state.”
The bill, HB 6514, known as ‘An Act Concerning Incentives For Qualified Data Centers To Locate In The State’, would offer sales tax incentives to promote development of data centers. It would waive sales taxes for up to 30 years on data centers that invest at least $400 million in a facility in a qualified opportunity zone in Connecticut, or at least $200 million if the facility is located in an ‘enterprise zone’. These zones are areas which are encouraging economic growth and development. Several opportunity zones are situated within Waterbury and Naugatuck.
Also under the bill, a qualified data center – a facility that is developed, acquired, constructed, rehabilitated, renovated, repaired, or operated to house a group of networked computer servers in one physical location – would be exempt from any financial transactions tax or fee that may be imposed by the state through trades of stocks, bonds, or any other financial products. This exemption would last for a period of 30 years from the date of construction of the facility is completed.
Currently, there are 11 data centers in Connecticut. These buildings house computer systems and centralize an organization’s shared IT operations, equipment, storage, management, and dissemination of data and information pertaining to a particular business. Building additional data centers throughout the state increase opportunity for economic growth. The construction of these facilities would provide high paying jobs and with a big boost in the construction industry.
With Eye on Connecticut’s Future, Senator Needleman Leads Approval of Legislation to Senate Supporting Data Center Development
With Eye on Connecticut’s Future, Senator Needleman Leads Approval of Legislation to Senate Supporting Data Center Development
Focused on the continuing importance of Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs that will bolster the state for decades, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today led the approval of legislation in the Senate that would provide financial incentives for qualified data centers in the state. Once it is sworn into law by the Governor’s office after today’s approval in the Senate and last week’s approval in the House, this legislation will increase Connecticut’s ability to lead the fast-growing industry, offering sales tax benefits in exchange for investments in the state.
“As we hope to bounce back from the financial turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic in coming years, it’s important for our state to focus on the jobs and industries of the future,” said Sen. Needleman. “The growth and the strong benefits of the data center industry are exactly the type of focus that will benefit our state in the long-term. Many of the jobs to be created won’t just be jobs but careers, opportunities for our residents to settle in for long, productive careers. The industry itself is experiencing a boom period, which bodes well for potential investment in our state. This legislation looks to the future and makes sure Connecticut is well-positioned once we get there, just the latest bill I’ve supported for its forward-thinking focus. I’m happy to unveil it and I’m happy to support it.”
House Bill 6514, “An Act Concerning Incentives For Qualified Data Centers To Locate In The State,” would offer sales tax incentives to promote development of data centers, waiving sales taxes for up to 30 years on data centers with investment of at least $400 million in a facility in qualified opportunity zones in Connecticut, or at least $200 million if the facility is located in an ‘enterprise zone’. These zones encourage economic growth and development.
Also under the bill, a qualified data center, which means a facility that is developed, acquired, constructed, rehabilitated, renovated, repaired, or operated to house a group of networked computer servers in one physical location, would be exempt from any financial transactions tax or fee that may be imposed by the state through trades of stocks, bonds, or any other financial products. This exemption would last for a period of 30 years from the date construction of the facility is completed.
Currently, there are 11 data centers in Connecticut. These buildings house computer systems and centralize organizations’ shared IT operations, equipment, storage, management, and dissemination of data and information pertaining to a business. Building additional data centers throughout the state increase opportunities for economic growth. The construction of these facilities would provide high paying jobs, specifically providing a big boost in the construction industry, while the industry itself is expected to continue seeing growth in coming years, expected to be valued at close to $70 billion by 2024.
Senator McCrory to Hold Minority-Owned Business Forum with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Black Business Alliance
Senator McCrory to Hold Minority-Owned Business Forum with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Black Business Alliance
State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) will hold a forum for Connecticut minority-owned businesses to help connect them with available relief programs and answer questions. The senator, who serves as Vice Chair of the Banking Committee and sits on the Commerce Committee, will be joined by several panelists including representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration Connecticut District Office and the Black Business Alliance.
The free event to take place tomorrow, March 2 starting at 6 p.m. will be available to watch over Zoom and Facebook Live. The forum will provide attendees an opportunity to receive an overview of relief programs and resources available to small businesses and entrepreneurs, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions about the programs discussed and are interested in applying for.
Panelists to join Sen. McCrory for the virtual discussion currently include:
- Howard K. Hill, Funeral Director/Owner of Howard K. Hill Funeral Services New Haven, Hartford, & Bloomfield; Small Black Business and Community Advocate
- Anne-Marie Knight, Executive Director of the Black Business Alliance
- Catherine Marx, District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration Connecticut District Office.
- Julio Casiano, Deputy District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration Connecticut District Office
- Glenn Davis, First Vice President, Community Development/CRA Officer at Liberty Bank
- Kim Hawkins, President & CEO of HEDCO Inc.
Interested attendees can either watch the forum through Zoom or on Sen. McCrory’s Facebook page.