As the owner of Sazón Fuego, a family-run restaurant in Meriden, I’ve seen how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way small businesses like mine operate.
While AI might sound like something out of Silicon Valley, it’s very real and very helpful right here in Connecticut. We use it to manage food inventory, forecast customer traffic, and even fine-tune our marketing —all of which helps us run more efficiently, reduce waste, and keep our doors open in a competitive industry.
That’s why I strongly support Senate Bill 1249, which takes a proactive approach to ensuring AI is used responsibly in our state. This legislation creates important protections around transparency, bias prevention, and accountability while still allowing for innovation and growth. It’s a framework that helps businesses like mine use AI with confidence, knowing that there are reasonable guardrails in place.
Small business owners don’t always have access to legal or technical teams to vet the tools we rely on. SB 1249 offers much-needed clarity and fairness by setting statewide standards that apply to everyone —big corporations and small entrepreneurs alike. That’s not just good for business— it’s good for consumers, too.
Connecticut has an opportunity to lead the way in ethical, inclusive AI policy that supports economic development and community empowerment. I encourage lawmakers to pass SB 1249 and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared across all industries and communities, including right here in Meriden.
William Ventura is the Owner of Sazón Fuego in Meriden.
