DeLauro Visits West Haven Manufacturer of Sustainable Lighting

New Haven, CT –Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) visited The Lighting Quotient in West Haven, CT today, touring the facility, speaking with workers, and discussing how the company has been successful in today's economy.

The Lighting Quotient, founded in 1977 and currently employing 180 workers, focuses on economic, social, and environmental aspects of their company's forward-thinking designs for sustainable architectural lighting. All products are manufactured on-site, helping to reduce the need for outsourcing and enabling the company to maintain a control of their supply chain and quality, and meet or exceed all energy requirements and sustainability objectives.

The Lighting Quotient is also certified as a Women's Business Enterprise and by the Department of Defense's Woman-Owned Small Business program.

"The Lighting Quotient is continuing a proud tradition of Connecticut innovation. Manufacturing has always been the backbone of our prosperity. This nation's history is forged in iron and steel and fiber optics, and Connecticut has always been at the lead. The Lighting Quotient's focus on high-quality products made with a focus on sustainability has made this company an industry leader, and I am proud of their innovation.

"It is companies like The Lighting Quotient that will benefit from legislation I recently introduced, the Manufacturing Reinvestment Account Act. This bill would enable manufacturers to establish IRA-like Manufacturing Reinvestment Accounts in community banks, which they can contribute to for up to five years while accumulating interest. The funds then distributed from the accounts would be used to finance capital investments in equipment and machinery, as well as job training. This proposal will help companies to grow, to create jobs and thus to strengthen our economy, and I am to fighting to see it happen."

"In addition, for Connecticut to stay economically competitive in the 21st century, it is vital that we do all that we can to help our state transition to a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient economy-- and The Lighting Quotient is leading the way on that front as well. I will keep working, day in and day out, to see our small businesses and manufacturers have the tools they need to thrive, and that we keep making the investments our nation needs to transition to a greener, more energy-efficient economy."