Sen. Maroney Named Finalist in Policy Ideas Contest

State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) has been named a finalist in the 2025 National Ideas Challenge, a nationwide competition among the forward-thinking state and local policymakers from NewDEAL. Senator Maroney is recognized for his Connecticut Online AI Academy, which is a statewide, free learning initiative designed to equip residents with the skills needed to thrive in an artificial intelligence–driven economy.

“It is an honor to be named a finalist in the NewDEAL Forum’s Ideas Challenge on such an important issue,” said Sen. Maroney. “Technological revolutions have historically created more jobs than they have eliminated but the new jobs require different skills. By offering a free AI Academy, we can provide residents the cutting-edge tools necessary for them to succeed in this evolving economy.”

Through partnerships with a state college and private industry, the AI Academy makes AI education accessible to workers, students, educators, and small businesses through a variety of free online courses and certificate programs.

The 2025 National Ideas Challenge centered on six key policy areas: Housing, Health, Education, Youth Investment, Public Safety, and Democracy.

The Ideas Challenge was organized by the NewDEAL Forum, a non-profit organization that identifies and elevates innovative, future-oriented state and local policies that can improve the lives of all Americans.