Building On Our Skilled Workforce

We passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
September 8, 2023


Our children are getting back in the swing of the new academic year. My colleagues and I are constantly trying to improve our schools so our students can eventually find good-paying jobs in our state. Please read below to learn how the legislature is expanding on our existing workforce and attracting businesses.

In addition, I have included some vital resources for families that may need help with their utility bills once temperatures drop significantly.
Click on any of the links below to jump to that section of the email:
 
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
  • Creates prosecutor apprenticeships for law school students
  • 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.
 
Apply For Home Heating Help
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.
You can also get help paying paying utility bills thanks to Operation Fuel. The organization provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut that are facing financial crisis. Applications for energy assistance are now open through November 10th!

You can learn more at operationfuel.org/gethelp.
 
Support For Women-Owned Businesses
Time is running out to apply for the next round of the Women's Business Development Council’s (WBDC) Equity Match Grant Program. The deadline is September 27.

The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut who have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million.
Since the start of the program, WBDC has distributed 216 grants of over $2 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut.
Click Here To Learn More About the Program
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below to see what's going on in Derby, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the upcoming events in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
REGISTER HERE for the Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run on Sunday, September 10 at the JCC of Greater New Haven.
This unique farm-to-table fundraiser features Massaro Community Farm's produce along with other locally sourced food and drinks to create a spectacular seasonal feast. CLICK HERE to get tickets.
"Pearls from Carol" is a compilation of 20 years worth of writings from the late Carol Ruggiero, presented in this book talk by her husband, Albert. Join to hear about Carol's life and her funny and thought provoking poems and essays. CLICK HERE to get your tickets!
Woodbridge Community Calendar