HARTFORD – Citing troubling economic forecasts and the ongoing effects of Trump-era trade policies, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) have called on the Connecticut Department of Labor to ensure it is fully prepared to respond to a potential economic downturn and a possible surge in unemployment.
In a letter sent to Department of Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo, Senators Looney and Duff expressed concern about national recession predictions and the compounding impact of lingering tariffs on Connecticut’s manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation sectors.
“We are already seeing signs of distress from businesses facing higher costs and supply chain complications,” the letter states. “We fear a flurry of layoffs may soon follow.”
The Senate leaders emphasized the importance of a proactive approach, requesting updates on the Department’s current operational readiness, including:
-Whether the unemployment claims system has recently undergone stress testing
-Plans for temporary staffing increases in the event of a spike in claims
-Strategies to quickly inform displaced workers about how to access assistance
Looney and Duff praised the Department of Labor for its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging the challenges faced and the strides made since then to modernize systems and improve response capabilities.
“We stand ready to work with you to ensure the Department has the resources and support it needs to serve Connecticut residents efficiently and compassionately during what could be another trying time for working families,” the letter concludes.
The senators reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no worker is left behind during a potential economic downturn and pledged their full cooperation to ensure Connecticut is prepared to protect its workforce.
The full letter is below and a PDF can be found here.
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