More work needed to boost educational achievement

(APril 7, 2006) Connecticut’s economic strength depends on the skills, innovation and productivity of the state’s workforce. But baby-boomer retirements, the increasing flight of young people to other states, and the enormous growth in the number of highly educated, highly skilled workers overseas now threaten that strength.

Unless policy-makers bring about substantially improve our education system, the state’s business community — and its people — will have a difficult time competing in the global economy.

The state must commit to helping the children of Connecticut achieve at the highest levels demanded by the global economy. Recent investments in early childhood education, magnet and charter schools, and higher education are good first steps.

This year, legislators are moving on a few proposals to boost the state’s education system and prepare new generations of workers. The budget approved by the Appropriations Committee allocates:
• $250,00 for the Apprenticeship Job Training Program administered by the state Department of Labor;
• $450,000 for the governor’s Early Childhood Cabinet and $4 million for early childhood programs;
• $28 million for charter schools, of which almost $2 million is for charter school enrollment; and
• Funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program, which is required in HB-5365.

Unfortunately, this budget eliminated $1.5 million in funding proposed by the governor for the 21st Century Jobs program, which would have provided for customized job training with a 50% employer match.

Two other measures supported by CBIA died due to inaction by committees, including:

• SB 15 — Required a study of where welders are most needed in Connecticut, so that plans to address these needs could be made.
• SB-473 — Required the state to develop a plan to help high school student’s transition from high school to higher-education institutions.
  

The legislature also is considering two measures that encourage graduates in certain skill areas to remain in the state after graduation with two measures. They include:

• SB-452 — Establishes a loan forgiveness program for graduates with engineering degrees who remain in Connecticut. The budget approved by the Appropriations Committee contains $250,000 for this in FY 07.
• HB-5519 — Establishes a loan forgiveness program for math and science teachers within available appropriations.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Bonnie Stewart at 860-244-1900 or stewartb@cbia.com. n