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There’s really no other way to shorthand it — Gov. Ned Lamont is marketing Connecticut as a sanctuary state for abortion.
It brings to mind former Texas Gov. Rick Perry making his first visit to Connecticut to try to lure away gun manufacturers in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy nearly a decade ago.
In seizing landmark moments in history as business opportunities, governors reaffirm the essence of what their states represent. Connecticut’s shade of blue deepened when Roe v. Wade was overturned last month. Of course, that also has the potential to chase off some residents and businesses.
Lamont sticks to his reliable sleeves-rolled-up, “aw, shucks” demeanor in a video pitch to businesses. He starts by reaffirming that his state won’t yield on supporting the right to choice, “not as long as I’m governor.”
“So this may be a time for you to think about taking a look at Connecticut as a place to move your business.”
Then the governor counts off reasons out-of-state businesses might embrace moving to Connecticut.
“A place where maybe your employees feel more at home. Perhaps you feel more at home. Your customers can better identify with our values.”
It’s not a sophisticated ad. There is more dignity in the language of the open letter Lamont co-wrote with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
“If you are looking to relocate to a state that supports the rights of women and whose actions and laws are unwavering in support of tolerance and inclusivity, Connecticut is for you,” they wrote.
The governor’s spokesman, Max Reiss, reasoned that “If this elicits a conversation in places like Texas or Florida or Missouri, we think that’s a good thing for Connecticut.”
Lamont’s Republican rival, Bob Stefanowski, dismissed the likelihood that the issue would budge the needle for businesses contemplating a move. He, and others, point to evergreen obstacles such as labor costs, taxes and energy expenses.
Others said it is already having an impact. Peter Denious, chief executive of Advance CT, said a woman who owns a company in Ohio inquired about Connecticut with the declaration “we’re outta here.”
Fran Pastore, chief executive of the Women’s Business Development Council in Stamford, said female entrepreneurs are expressing interest in launching in Connecticut.
If there is a business opportunity here, it rests on the next generation of businesses and employees.
Millennials and Gen Zs have done an admirable job of defining themselves as champions of diversity, equity and inclusion issues. Stefanowski may be correct that being a pro-choice state may not be enough to attract established businesses.
But it will matter to members of a younger work force who factor in social justice in making minor — and major — life decisions. Many of them think about it as they choose where to eat, where to shop, where to live and where to work.
Being defined by the tenets of tolerance is not a strategy; it’s the correct course. Connecticut is right to invite others to champion what that represents.
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