Blumenthal Tours Manufacturing Facility in Woodbridge, Reiterates Call for “Made in CT” Initiative

(Woodbridge, CT) –Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) toured Air Handling Systems in Woodbridge today, a small manufacturing facility which makes and produces dust collection and fume collection products for industrial ventilation and air handling. Blumenthal met with employees and reiterated his call for the “Made in Connecticut” initiative that encourages sale and production of Connecticut-made goods.

“Manufacturing is alive and well in Woodbridge and across our state, but recent unemployment numbers are a reminder to us that we must remain in vigorous pursuit of job creation,” said Blumenthal. “As our economy continues to recover, now more than ever we must focus on supporting the small businesses like Air Handling Systems that drive growth and create jobs. Having met with and listened to dozens of manufacturers in the past few months, I know we need to put in place the economic policies – and ensure regulatory certainty – that make it possible for entrepreneurs to grow and compete in the global economy.”

In the next few weeks, Blumenthal will introduce legislation that enables manufacturers to set aside money in accounts to then be reinvested in new hires and equipment. Blumenthal has also been strongly supportive of legislation that addresses Chinese currency manipulation and unfair trade practices that adversely affect manufacturers across Connecticut. A member of the Senate Manufacturing Caucus, Blumenthal voted to alleviate excessive paperwork burdens and lower costs for small business owners by repealing reporting provisions for the tax form known as a 1099.

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