Support Shown for Next Generation Connecticut

Businesses, trade and labor groups, and others showed their support this week for a proposal by Governor Malloy to boost the University of Connecticut’s standing as a leading research institution—and increase the state’s skilled workforce.  

Next Generation Connecticut is a multi-faceted plan to focus on science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines (STEM) at UConn.

Its aim is to supply the state’s economy with new technologies, highly skilled graduates, new companies, patents, licenses, and research innovations that will lead to more high-wage STEM jobs in the state.

CBIA has long supported efforts to make UConn a leading public research institution that can graduate more students with the skills needed to compete in the 21^st century economy.

Next Generation should help accomplish that by aligning courses of study with the specific needs and priorities of businesses, especially those heavily invested in research and development.

The proposal contained in SB 840 also includes a 10-year, $1.5 billion capital component that is projected to create 30,000 construction jobs through 2024.