Bill focused on affordable healthcare benefits for Connecticut brewery employees passes in committee

Last week, the General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee voted in favor (16-3) of a bill that allows the Connecticut Brewers Guild (CBG) to pursue affordable and reliable health care for craft brewers in the state.

“This bill will help job creating craft breweries statewide, especially those that are small and mid-sized,” said Phil Pappas, executive director for the Connecticut Brewers Guild. “If this legislation is passed by the General Assembly and signed into law, breweries and their employees will be able to gain access to affordable health care regardless of their size.”

Founded in 2012, the goal of the CT Brewers Guild is to further promote local breweries, move forward on Guild Member initiatives that foster profitability, and increase public awareness of all in-state breweries and legislative actions. As of 2017, Connecticut craft breweries employ nearly 5,000 people statewide, produce more than 166,000 barrels of beer, contributing to an overall economic impact of $746 million annually.

“Running a small business offers its own unique headaches,” said Rep. Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport). “That’s what makes this legislation so important. Offering affordable health care plans to small and mid-sized businesses, especially in this growing industry, is a big win for our state.”

The next step for the bill (H.B. 7260) is to be voted on by the House of Representatives. If it passes in both legislative chambers, then it is sent to the governor for approval.