Childcare, Workforce Focus of Budget Plan

The Lamont administration is proposing targeted investments in education, workforce development, and childcare programs that directly impact Connecticut’s economic competitiveness.

The proposed adjustments to the second year of the current two-year state budget aim to strengthen a number of critical programs.  

The administration wants to dedicate $6 million to increase access to college credit courses for high school students, with approximately 35,000 students expected to participate. 

Providing students with the opportunity to earn credits before graduation prepares them for post-secondary opportunities and reduces overall tuition costs.

It also helps better connect classroom learning to career pathways, giving employers access to a more prepared talent pool. 

Supporting Adult Learners 

To help more people gain in-demand skills, the budget plan includes $1.5 million for adult education initiatives within the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. 

The funding provides: 

• $1 million to expand adult education course offerings 

• $500,000 to conduct a statewide analysis to guide program expansion and align offerings with the federal Workforce Pell initiative 

As businesses continue to report difficulty filling skilled positions, expanding training options for adult learners is an important strategy to increase workforce participation and meet employer demand. 

Childcare, Workforce Participation 

Childcare affordability remains one of the most significant obstacles preventing individuals from entering or staying in the workforce. 

The administration’s proposal continues key early childhood investments, including $1.6 million to sustain the Tri-Share Child Care Program.

The Tri-Share program distributes childcare expenses among the employee, the employer, and the state. By sharing costs, the program helps reduce the financial burden on working parents while offering employers a tool to support recruitment and retention. 

“Reliable childcare is directly tied to workforce stability.”

CBIA’s Danielle Cloud

In addition, HB 5163, raised in this session, proposes a task force to study ways to improve childcare affordability for families and young professionals.

If adopted, the task force will provide policymakers with research and recommendations to make childcare more accessible and sustainable, further supporting workforce participation. 

“Reliable childcare is directly tied to workforce stability,” said CBIA policy director Danielle Cloud said.

“When parents have consistent access to care they can afford, businesses benefit from stronger attendance and employee retention.” 

Early Childhood Education Endowment 

The Early Childhood Education Endowment, passed last session, is designed to provide sustained funding to expand and stabilize childcare. 

During its first year of implementation, the endowment has supported: 

• Funding 11 new Smart Start classrooms, adding space for roughly 165 preschool children 

• Funding an estimated 1,039 additional childcare slots, including 385 infant and toddler spaces, 467 preschool spaces, and 187 school-age spaces 

Expanding capacity is a key step towards addressing supply shortages that have limited workforce participation. 

Higher Education Pathways 

The proposal also strengthens financial aid programs to improve college affordability.  Proposed investments include: 

• A $15 million increase to the Roberta Willis Scholarship program 

• New Finish Line Scholars program, enabling eligible community college graduates to complete a bachelor’s degree tuition-free at Connecticut State Universities 

Reducing financial barriers to degree completion helps retain graduates in Connecticut and supports the state’s long-term competitiveness.

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