Sen. Osten Welcomes Good 2022 Job News For Southeastern Connecticut; Sets Sights On More Jobs In 2023
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) said today that as good as some job indicators were for Southeastern Connecticut in 2022, she would like to see those numbers grow even more in 2023.
Sen. Osten noted that, according to the state Department of Labor, as of November the Norwich-New London-Westerly Labor Market Area (LMA) had the best private-sector year-to-year job growth of any labor market area in Connecticut: 3.5% job growth, or 3,300 new private-sector jobs, from November 2021 to November 2022.
The Norwich-New London-Westerly LMA also had the largest unemployment drop this calendar year of any LMA in Connecticut – from 5.5% in January to 3.7% in November. Southeastern Connecticut has also seen 20 consecutive months of month-over-month job growth, from April 2021 to November 2022 (December job numbers are still pending). Various state employment and economic reports can be found here
“Connecticut added about 34,000 new, private-sector jobs over the past year, including 5,300 new jobs in manufacturing,” Sen. Osten said. “These are good-paying jobs. We’re seeing job growth in the double-digits for machinist and manufacturing jobs paying $60,000 to $80,000 a year. Last month, there were more than 8,300 job postings statewide for manufacturing jobs – the fourth-largest number of job postings for any industry sector in Connecticut. So the work is out there, we just need to get more people trained and connected to it.”
Sen. Osten has spent the past several years in the state legislature securing funding for the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) and for community colleges to provide funding for training in manufacturing job classifications, certificate programs, and a “debt free” program for full and parttime community college students. Sen. Osten has also worked with EWIB to expand manufacturing programs in both high school and junior high schools to introduce students to middle-class job opportunities in the region.
“A few months ago, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association surveyed Connecticut business CEOs, and 85 percent of them said they’re having trouble finding employees, and that they’re spending a lot of money recruiting and retaining employees,” Sen. Osten said. “I’m going to spend the next two years continuing to invest in job training so that our residents can secure jobs at Connecticut companies that pay the kinds of salaries and benefits that you need to buy a home and raise a family. That would be a great outcome for Connecticut businesses and Connecticut residents.”
Looney, Duff Applaud PURA for Scheduling Interstate Hearing on Electric Rates
Looney, Duff Applaud PURA for Scheduling Interstate Hearing on Electric Rates
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded the announcement from Marissa Gillett, Chair of Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), that an interstate hearing on electric rate increases will be held by public utility regulators from nearby states.
“Thanks to Chairman Gillett for putting this one-of-a-kind hearing together,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Eversource continues to overpay its executives while ratepayers see prices go up and up. We are optimistic that this interstate hearing will move us toward better outcomes for customers. By working together with other states, we cut off the divide and profit strategy Eversource uses in each of our states. We must remember that unlike truly private businesses Eversource is a regulated utility with guaranteed profits and a virtually guaranteed market.”
Looney, Duff Applaud PURA for Scheduling Interstate Hearing on Electric Rates
Looney, Duff Applaud PURA for Scheduling Interstate Hearing on Electric Rates
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded the announcement from Marissa Gillett, Chair of Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), that an interstate hearing on electric rate increases will be held by public utility regulators from nearby states.
“Thanks to Chairman Gillett for putting this one-of-a-kind hearing together,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Eversource continues to overpay its executives while ratepayers see prices go up and up. We are optimistic that this interstate hearing will move us toward better outcomes for customers. By working together with other states, we cut off the divide and profit strategy Eversource uses in each of our states. We must remember that unlike truly private businesses Eversource is a regulated utility with guaranteed profits and a virtually guaranteed market.”
Senator Slap Welcomes $998,000 Grant To Remediate West Hartford Blighted Property
Senator Slap Welcomes $998,000 Grant To Remediate West Hartford Blighted Property
This week, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) welcomed the release of a $998,000 grant through the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program to West Hartford, which will be used to inspect and remediate a currently vacant property on Farmington Avenue. This remediation would help the planned redevelopment of the site.
“I’m gratified that Governor Lamont and the Department of Economic and Community Development are investing in West Hartford,” said Sen. Slap. “Turning a vacant building into the proposed affordable housing set for the site will have great benefits for the local community. I’m eager to see this work begin and I applaud the leadership of the Town Council, including Mayor Cantor, in moving this project forward.”
Among 41 blighted parcels of land in 16 communities receiving these grants, West Hartford will receive $998,000 to investigate and remediate the .67-acre property at 900 Farmington Avenue, currently the site of the West Hartford Inn and a former restaurant. Upon completion of remediation, the property will be redeveloped as a 44-unit affordable mixed-income multifamily residential complex.
Sen. Lesser Congratulates Antonio “Tony” Guerrera on DMV Commissioner Appointment
Sen. Lesser Congratulates Antonio “Tony” Guerrera on DMV Commissioner Appointment
State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) released the following statement on Governor Lamont’s announcement that he intends to appoint Antonio “Tony” Guerrera as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) early next year. Guerrera currently serves as deputy commissioner of the state’s DMV.
“My congratulations to Antonio Guerrera. Tony has shown steady, energetic leadership at DMV and I’m glad to see him take the reins. I wish him and his family the very best in this new role.”
Senator Anwar Releases Statement On End Of Important Free Lunch Program
Senator Anwar Releases Statement On End Of Important Free Lunch Program
Today. State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement regarding the end of free lunch programs that supported students across all classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic:
“Recent news reports have confirmed that universal free meal programs at local schools are ending at a number of schools in our communities. The School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition fund, which was used to pay for free meals for all students amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, is seeing the federal relief it received running out. Free meals for students are only expected to continue in some school districts. Happily, that includes East Hartford and East Windsor, but unhappily, it does not include South Windsor or Ellington, where schools will likely revert to providing free meals to only qualifying students. That will still leave many students at risk of going hungry.
A hungry child has more challenges with learning and can be more likely to face setbacks in their development. We need to look at the nutritional development children were able to experience when this program was in place and see firsthand its importance. In the next legislative session, I plan to propose a bill to make meals in schools universally available for students. The advantages these programs provide to students will drastically outweigh their costs and bolster our youth for the future.
However, if that bill is passed, it will become law next year at the earliest, and parents undoubtedly have questions and concerns right now. The best thing affected families can do at this time is visit the free and reduced meals program information available on South Windsor Public Schools’ website: https://www.southwindsorschools.org/departments/food_services__chartwells/free_reduced and the free and reduced meals application available through Ellington Public Schools: https://www.ellingtonpublicschools.org/parents/food
. These programs can help provide immediate aid.”
In Special Session, Senator Miller Votes To Extend Cost-Saving Measures, Benefit Residents Through 2023 (2)
Senator Miller Re-Appointed Senate Chair of Banking Committee, Vice Chair of Aging and Finance Committees
State Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) was re-appointed Chair of the Banking Committee and appointed Vice Chair of the Aging Committee. Sen. Miller will remain as Vice Chair of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.
“I’m grateful to state Senators Martin Looney and Bob Duff for re-appointing me as chair of Banking Committee and I look forward to building on the momentum set forth this past session,” Sen. Miller said. “In both the Banking Committee and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, I’m excited to continue strengthening Connecticut’s fiscal stability and the accessibility of our financial institutions. In the Aging Committee, there is always more we can do to protect seniors and ensure they are provided the long-term services they need to remain comfortable in our state, and I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues and the community to do this important work.”
This will be Sen. Miller’s second term representing the 27th District. On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2021, she became the first woman, first Black woman and the first person of color to represent the 27th District.
“Sen. Miller has been an asset to our caucus through her work ethic and her leadership,” Sen. Looney said. “I am excited to continue working with her in the state Senate.”
Before joining the Senate, Sen. Miller served as a member of the state House of Representatives for Stamford’s 145th District, dating back to 2009. The legislative session begins on January 4, 2022.
Senator Maroney Reappointed to Chair of General Law Committee
Senator Maroney Reappointed to Chair of General Law Committee
Extension of exemption on gas tax, free bus fare; increased funding for Essential workers bonuses, heating oil assistance
of the General Law Committee which oversees all matters relating to the Department of Consumer Protection, fair trade, and sales practices. Senator Maroney will also be a ranking member of the Regulation Review Committee, which reviews regulations proposed by state agencies and approving them before regulations are implemented, and Vice Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs committee that oversees all matters relating to the military.
“I am honored to be selected to continue as General Law chair,” said Senator Maroney. “The General Law Committee oversees issues that are important to my constituents including occupational licensing, consumer protection, and prescription drug monitoring. This past year I was honored to guide Connecticut’s Data Privacy Act to passage. This year, I will work to expand children’s online protections and fight to expand access to Narcan which will assist in the battle against the opioid crisis.”
“Senator Maroney has demonstrated his ability to lead his committees while also advocating the needs of his constituents since his first day in the State Senate,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney. “Senator Maroney has the devotion and commitment needed to oversee the complex and important legislation coming for the General Law Committee. I know he will continue to do an excellent job in upcoming General Assembly term.”
Senator Maroney was first elected to represent the 14th District in 2018. Before being elected to the Senate, he was a State Representative for the 119th District from 2012-2014, where he served on the Higher Education Committee.
The legislative session begins on the first Wednesday of January 2023.
Additional actions taken today include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. The Senate also voted to ensure retailers’ existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after January 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.
Senator Moore Named Senate Chair of Housing Committee, Remains Chair of General Bonding Subcommittee, and Vice Chair of Finance Committee
Senator Moore Named Senate Chair of Housing Committee, Remains Chair of General Bonding Subcommittee, and Vice Chair of Finance Committee
State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) has been named Chair of the Housing Committee, which makes laws and policies affecting Connecticut housing programs. Senator Moore will also remain Chair of the General Bonding Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. Senator Moore also serves as Deputy Senate Pro Tempore.
Senator Moore previously served as Chair of the Human Services Committee for eight years where she oversaw legislation that applied to all matters relating to the Department of Social Services.
“I look forward to serving as Chair of the Housing Committee over the next two legislative sessions,” said Sen. Moore. “I am thankful to Senator Looney for entrusting me to take the lead on legislative matters related to housing in our state. Over the last few years, we have seen the need for affordable housing, the need to protect renters, and to create a more equitable system for owners and renters. I look forward to working on legislation that will lead to impactful change.”
“Senator Moore is known in the General Assembly for her incredible work ethic, diligent advocacy for her constituents, and her unparalleled passion. I trust she will be a great leader of the Housing Committee for this upcoming term,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney said.
The Housing committee works to evaluate and define all housing options needed for affordable housing throughout Connecticut. During the 2022 legislative session, there were a handful of housing and zoning reform bills that drew attention to issues of affordability in our state. Senator Moore will now oversee and lead discussion over bills being submitted through the Housing Committee.
Senator Moore was first elected in 2014 to serve the 22nd State Senatorial District communities of Trumbull, sections of Bridgeport and Monroe. Sen. Moore has been involved in local and state politics and in 2013, she challenged a six-year incumbent for a State Senate seat and was successful in her bid to represent Trumbull, Bridgeport, and Monroe. She was sworn in on January 7, 2015.
The legislative session begins on the first Wednesday of January 2023.
Sen. McCrory Continues as Senate Chair of Education Committee
Sen. McCrory Continues as Senate Chair of Education Committee
Additionally Appointed as Vice Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee
State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor) will continue to serve as Senate Chair of the Education Committee and step into a new leadership role as Vice-Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee as announced by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven).
A long-time educator, Sen. McCrory has been a leader in legislative efforts to expand minority teacher recruitment and retention, support youth mental health, create an African American and Latino studies course for high school students, and close gaps in educational opportunity. Additionally, Sen. McCrory has been a firm advocate for state investment in programs and organizations focused on youth enrichment and career training.
“The potential of our state is directly tied the ability of Connecticut’s children to succeed and thrive. I’m eager to continue working with my colleagues on the Education Committee to ensure that our students have the resources to achieve their career and life goals,” said Sen. McCrory. “Furthermore, we must continue to strengthen the ability of schools to be hubs for learning, but also to support the mental, social-emotional, and physical needs of young people as they move along their educational journey into adulthood.”
Sen. McCrory continued, “I’m thankful for Sen. Looney’s confidence in elevating me to serve as vice chair on the Energy and Technology Committee. The work of this committee is front of mind for many residents as we seek solutions to ease utility costs on families and mitigate the impact of increasingly severe weather, which is the result of climate change.”
“Senator McCrory is well respected by his colleagues and throughout his district. He has been a champion in advocating that all of Connecticut’s children have access to a high-quality education. I’m pleased to re-appoint him as Senate Chair of the Education Committee,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “An educator himself, Sen. McCrory has continually reminded us that the future of Connecticut is our children and that we need to give them every resource to succeed.”
The Energy and Technology Committee has cognizance on matters related to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, along with energy planning and activities.