Childcare Access Priority for Employees, Employers

State lawmakers are considering a number of proposals addressing the lack of affordable childcare, among a number of factors driving the state’s labor shortage.

With 75,000 job openings—1.3 positions for every unemployed person—hiring challenges represent the greatest barrier for economic growth.

Seventy-eight percent of employers told CBIA’s 2024 Survey of Connecticut Businesses that finding skilled workers is a challenge.

And childcare is a priority for both employers and employees, with 60% of businesses identifying affordable childcare as essential for attracting and retaining talent.

For many employees—particularly women—the lack of options forces them to reduce work hours or leave the workforce altogether.

Women are significantly underrepresented in the workforce, with nearly 10% fewer women participating in the labor market compared to men.

Legislative Proposals

A major factor contributing to this disparity is the lack of accessible childcare options.

Currently, family childcare providers can only care for up to nine children, provided they hire a qualified assistant.

One bill gaining traction early in the legislative session is HB 6839, which the Committee on Children is reviewing.

That proposal increases the provider care limit to 12 children, helping reduce waitlists, allowing providers to expand their businesses, and pay competitive wages.

The Education Committee will review SB 540, which provides 15 hours of free preschool per week for children ages three and four.

However, this proposal does not address the needs of families with younger children, leaving a gap in childcare options for these parents.

Streamlining Workforce Pipelines

As Connecticut’s workforce ages, the demand for young qualified workers to sustain the labor force—which has declined 1% since the pandemic—is urgent.

State legislators have responded by proposing solutions addressing the challenge from multiple angles.

A key focus this session is expanding apprenticeship opportunities—crucial for developing a skilled and sustainable workforce, particularly as tradespeople retire at an accelerated rate.

Apprenticeship programs prioritize career readiness by connecting interested students with potential employers.

By adopting this approach, a pathway is created to answer today’s workforce demand, bridging the gap between high school students and career opportunities.

Among those proposals is SB 1113, which calls for a study aimed at enhancing workforce development initiatives across the state.

Manufacturing, Trades Focus

As employers continue to express a need for young talent, identifying effective and sustainable policy solutions is increasingly essential.

Other supportive legislation includes HB 6187, designed to provide funding for manufacturing apprenticeships through the Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

In practical terms, expanding workforce pipelines provides new career opportunities for Connecticut residents while helping employers bridge the gap as current workers near retirement.

With 75,000 job openings, Connecticut's labor shortage crisis demands a range of approaches. Reforming the state's apprenticeship hiring restrictions is a "commonsense policy lawmakers should embrace," writes @HartfordBiz' Greg Bordonaro. #reimaginect https://t.co/qRuq8qCXwm

— Chris DiPentima (@ChrisDipentima) January 29, 2025

For instance, expanding apprenticeship opportunities and training more qualified workers in the trades could significantly impact the community—especially the shortage of affordable housing.

A lack of homebuilders has become a major barrier to increasing the housing supply.

If builders had greater access to apprenticeships, this issue could gradually improve, while also offering individuals work-based learning. 

Employing this holistic approach—supporting state manufacturing funds, bridging the gap between students and career opportunities, and advocating for hiring ratio relief—is critical for building the workforce needed for both today and tomorrow.

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Jenna Grasso (860.244.1169).