Proposed Bill SB 138:
An Act Modernizing The State's Cooperative Association Statutes
Cooperators, did you know that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the legislation that allows cooperatives to be established in Connecticut?
SB 138 has been introduced in the CT legislature to enhance the existing CT Co-operative statutes and encourage more co-ops to incorporate in our state. The bill was initiated by folks at the Willimantic Food Co-op and developed with the support of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association.
The Judiciary Committee voted unanimously in favor on a Joint Favorable Substitute to SB 138 on 4/12/19. The next step will be to get it scheduled for a vote in both houses.
Track the progress of the bill here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-138
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1) Contact your legislators in support of the bill.
Now we need your help! As with any legislative proposal, public support for the bill is needed.
Connecticut ranks lower than the other New England states in terms of co-ops per capita, in part due to outdated laws that deter groups from incorporating as a co-op. This proposal seeks to minimize those barriers by bringing our state laws into alignment with those of surrounding states.
Call your State Rep. and Senator and ask them to support SB 138! Use this link to find your legislators! https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp
Looking for talking points? A template that we used for sample testimony can be found below.
Keep in mind that the most compelling feedback may be your story: how have co-ops have impacted you and your community?
2) Write Letters to the Editor
Explain the benefit of supporting emerging co-ops and the opportunity to updating our cooperative statutes. Check with your local paper for guidelines on submitting Letters to the Editor
3) Ask your Connecticut friends and family living outside Eastern Connecticut to advocate!
Statewide support for Senate Bill 138 will be needed for passage.
The more legislators we call , the better the chances for passage of this timely legislation.
Talking Points and Background White Paper (link)
Erbin Crowell of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association drafted this memo summarizing the talking points underscoring the need for this change to CT Chapter 595.
Sample Letter to Legislators (link)
[Date]
To [Your State Representative or Senator]
[Mailing Address and/or E-mail]
Dear [Name],
I am writing today to ask that you support the passage of Proposed Bill S.B. No. 138: An Act Modernizing the State's Cooperative Association Statutes.
This commonsense legislation will bring our state’s co-operative statute, “General Statutes Title 33: Corporations; Chapter 595: Co-operative Associations,” up to date and more in line with statutes in nearby states, making it easier for entrepreneurs to form co-operative enterprises and supporting the growth of existing co-ops, while reinforcing the principle of democratic member governance, free from interference by external non-member interests.
Connecticut currently ranks among the lowest in New England in terms of the number of co-ops as a proportion of population, due in part to outdated legislation that restricts their development. For example, in contrast to other corporations, current law holds individual co-op members liable for the debts of their business. Changing this provision would put existing co-ops on an even playing field with other businesses, and encourage entrepreneurs to form new co-ops.
[Use this section to share why the growth and development of co-ops would be a benefit to the state of Connecticut. Examples:
Thank you for your service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, Address, Phone and E-mail]
To [Your State Representative or Senator]
[Mailing Address and/or E-mail]
Dear [Name],
I am writing today to ask that you support the passage of Proposed Bill S.B. No. 138: An Act Modernizing the State's Cooperative Association Statutes.
This commonsense legislation will bring our state’s co-operative statute, “General Statutes Title 33: Corporations; Chapter 595: Co-operative Associations,” up to date and more in line with statutes in nearby states, making it easier for entrepreneurs to form co-operative enterprises and supporting the growth of existing co-ops, while reinforcing the principle of democratic member governance, free from interference by external non-member interests.
Connecticut currently ranks among the lowest in New England in terms of the number of co-ops as a proportion of population, due in part to outdated legislation that restricts their development. For example, in contrast to other corporations, current law holds individual co-op members liable for the debts of their business. Changing this provision would put existing co-ops on an even playing field with other businesses, and encourage entrepreneurs to form new co-ops.
[Use this section to share why the growth and development of co-ops would be a benefit to the state of Connecticut. Examples:
- If you are a member or employee of a local co-op (for example a food co-op or credit union), share how it has benefited you and your community. If you have served as a board member, share something positive from that experience — for example, the ability of everyday people to serve in elected leadership roles in a business that serves and benefits their community.
- Co-ops are locally owned by local people, making them more responsive to local needs. As we work to build stronger communities, co-ops can be a solution — if we allow them to grow!
- Food co-ops are drivers of local economies. For example, Connecticut’s two retail natural food co-ops alone sell $1.5 million in local products annually. On a regional level, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association reports that its 27 member co-ops sell over $90 million in products from local producers. What if we had more food co-ops?
- As a generation of baby boomer small business owners nears retirement, half of the nation’s privately-held businesses are at risk of buyout or closure. Co-ops can be a solution to this “Silver Tsunami,” preserving local businesses by selling them to their employees and community members when the owner decides to retire.
- Co-ops have been shown to be more resilient during economic down turns, preserving jobs and local economic activity.
- On a global level, there are more that 1 billion members of co-ops. According to the National Cooperative Business Association, 1 in 3 Americans are members of 65,000 co-ops. These businesses generate $75 billion in annual wages and$650 billion in revenue.]
Thank you for your service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, Address, Phone and E-mail]
