Building a Skilled Workforce

September 1, 2023


It's an exciting time for students, parents, and educators as school is underway in Stamford! In this week's legislative update, you will see how we recognized one amazing baseball team, how we're building a skilled workforce, and how to apply for energy assistance.

Remember to drive sober for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Please contact my office if you have questions or comments about the items in this newsletter.


Have a great weekend!

 
Celebrating With Our Baseball Champs!
A big congratulations goes out to the Stamford Thunder baseball team for earning a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series for the second year in a row! We celebrated the team's amazing season on Tuesday at Stamford City Hall. Please take a look as News 12 Connecticut profiled the team before they participated in the big tournament!
 
Building a Skilled Workforce
During the 2023 legislative session, we successfully passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
 
These new initiatives in diverse fields including education, aviation, healthcare, and first responders seek to attract the best talent from within and beyond to create a top-notch workforce.
Below are some highlights of the work we accomplished this past session:

Public Act 23-97 is a multifaceted step forward for those in the medical fields.
Additional measures include:
 
Public Act 23-167:
  • Expands school-based apprenticeship opportunities in aviation and aerospace
  • Builds on training for future paraeducators
  • Offers dual credit/enrollment opportunities

Public Act 23-55:

  • Creates prosecutor apprenticeships for law school students

Public Act 23-207:

  • Creates tax credits and incentives for towns and businesses that build and/or develop housing set aside for specific workforces including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

A skilled workforce is one of the foundations of a robust economy. My colleagues and I are committed to strengthening our current and future workers by providing the necessary tools to help them thrive and succeed.
 
Application Period Open for Connecticut Energy Assistance Program

The application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is open. CEAP provides vulnerable state homeowners and renters with crucial support for the associated costs with heating their homes.

Applications for the 2023-2024 winter season must be received by May 31, 2024. If you are interested, there are several ways to apply:

Additional information on the application process can be obtained by visiting ct.gov/heatinghelp or calling 2-1-1. 

Basic benefits toward heating bills range from $180 to $530 depending on income, size of household, and need. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $79,910 for a family of four. These benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank refills.

I want to spread the word that this resource is available to our most vulnerable community members.
 
Stay Sober & Safe This Holiday Weekend
Summer is almost over and with the Labor Day Holiday coming up, the state and the feds are reminding everyone about the dangers of drunk driving.
According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there were seven crash fatalities over the 2021 Labor Day Holiday in Connecticut, including three driving under the influence (DUI) crash fatalities. In Connecticut in 2021, the last year of verifiable data, preliminary data shows 112 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for 38% of all fatalities in the state.

If you plan to head out and celebrate Labor Day, make sure you have a plan to keep everyone safe. CLICK HERE for safe alternatives to driving impaired.