Bills Reflect New Workforce Approach

Lawmakers are advancing a pair of proposals that strengthen Connecticut’s workforce by investing directly in both talent development and access to employment.

These efforts reflect a growing recognition that workforce challenges require a comprehensive approach—an approach that supports not only the development of skills through education and training but also ensures individuals can reliably access job opportunities.

Recent updates to both proposals, shaped in part by stakeholder feedback during public hearings, signal an increased level of investment and commitment from policymakers. 

One of those measures—HB 5478—focuses on expanding paid internships and improving access to work-based learning experiences across the state.

The bill creates more structured pathways for students to gain hands-on experience while helping employers build strong talent pipelines. 

Small Business Support

A key component of the proposal is support for small businesses, which often face constraints when developing internship programs.

To address this, the bill directs Connecticut’s public higher education systems to develop programs that train and support employers interested in offering internships.

This includes assistance with creating job descriptions, establishing learning objectives, and managing internship programs. 

Recent updates to the language further strengthen the bill by introducing a targeted tax credit to support businesses offering internship opportunities, an update that reflects increased investment in response to stakeholder input.

Businesses participating in a state-certified internship program that received a “quality seal” will be eligible for a tax credit.

Under the proposal, businesses participating in a state-certified internship program that received a “quality seal” will be eligible for a tax credit for the wages paid to interns. 

The credit is designed to be accessible to a wide range of business structures, including S corporations, partnerships, and single-member LLCs.

By pairing technical assistance with financial incentives, the proposal takes a comprehensive approach to expanding high-quality “learn and earn” opportunities and reducing barriers for employers to participate. 

The bill , which cleared the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee on a unanimous vote March 17, now awaits action in the House. 

Expanding Transportation Access 

In addition to workforce development initiatives, lawmakers advanced legislation aimed at improving transportation access, another critical component of workforce participation. 

SB 9, which cleared the Transportation Committee with bipartisan support, includes an updated tax credit to encourage employers to provide or expand commuter transportation benefits.

Eligible employers would receive a credit for the increase in costs associated with providing benefits such as transit passes, vanpool services, and participation in the state’s CTpass program. 

The tax credit rewards employers that newly offer or expand benefits.

The structure of the credit rewards employers that newly offer or expand benefits, with a per-employee cap and an overall program cap to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Employers must also apply for a tax credit voucher and provide verification that benefits were delivered. 

The bill also expands the state’s investment in microtransit by extending an existing pilot program and raising the Special Transportation Fund allocation from $9 million to $10.5 million to ensure the program can continue effectively.

These services play a key role in connecting residents to jobs where traditional transit options may be limited.

Looking Ahead 

Both proposals highlight a broader shift toward treating workforce development as a long-term economic investment. 

“Workforce development doesn’t stop at training,” noted CBIA policy director Danielle Cloud.

“Workforce development doesn’t stop at training.”

CBIA’s Danielle Cloud

“It requires making sure people can access opportunities and that employers have the tools to build talent.

“These proposals reflect a meaningful investment in both sides of that equation, and the updated language shows lawmakers are listening to stakeholders and strengthening these policies to have real impact.” 

As these bills move forward, CBIA will continue to follow their progress throughout the legislative session. 

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Danielle Cloud (860.244.1911).