Manufacturing industry gives Connecticut a significant economic boost

July 21, 2017

The state’s economy is set to benefit from legislation moving in the U.S. Congress that will give military contractors in Connecticut billions of dollars in funding. The measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

For Connecticut manufacturers, the budget includes:

  • $13.2 billion to purchase 87 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, equipped with engines made by Pratt & Whitney
  • $8 billion for the design and construction of submarines by Electric Boat
  • Nearly $1.8 billion for the manufacture of helicopters by Sikorsky

As the demand for defense manufacturing increases, so too does our need for a skilled workforce. This year, we passed legislation that will help give the next generation of manufacturers the tools they need to launch a career in the field.

Through House Bill 7271, the technical high school system will become an independent agency. As a standalone agency, the Connecticut Technical High School System will have its own budget line-item and will have the authority to accept gifts (such as equipment donations used for training purposes) that advance the system’s educational mission.

The governor also signed into law HB 5590, which will set up a pipeline between our vo-tech schools and the companies that need the skilled workforce they educate. This legislation will create a task force to study the effectiveness, impact and cohesiveness of the workforce development system in the state.

By furthering investing in our workforce, companies like Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat and Sikorsky can become the economic drivers we need for our state. This will not only increase the number of local job opportunities, but it will allow Connecticut to remain competitive with surrounding states.