Governor Ned Lamont announced that he plans to introduce legislation during the 2021 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly that focuses on building a robust workforce in Connecticut by developing and investing in short-term training programs, increasing access to postsecondary education, enhancing workforce data collection efforts, and codifying a new state office focused on workforce development.
With 190,000 Connecticut residents filing for unemployment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Lamont said that it is paramount that Connecticut develops job training programs, creates new governance structures, and implements innovative policies that are focused on helping residents return to work and progress along meaningful career pathways.
The governor is proposing to codify the state’s Office of Workforce Strategy, an office located within the Department of Economic and Community Development, that will serve as the connective tissue between educators, industry partners, community-based organizations, and government agencies so that workforce development programs and strategies are being coordinated across the state. The office will continue to be led by Dr. Kelli Vallieres, who has been serving as its executive director since July.
Read More