Happy Labor Day to all the hard-working members of our community! And...you're invited to our Annual Election Kickoff Picnic September 18th. Scroll down to register.

What's in store for workers and job seekers in CT?

A July hiring burst added 6,500 jobs, bringing unemployment levels down to 3.7%, the lowest since the start of the pandemic. Job growth was strongest in construction; wholesale trade; and professional and technical services. A continuing challenge to job growth is the labor shortage.

To help match job seekers with businesses struggling to find labor, a new state program will train thousands of workers most impacted by the pandemic.

The $70 million program is funded through federal pandemic relief dollars and will provide training in fast-growing sectors like clean energy, health care and information technology. The training will be free and participants will have access to child care and career services. Learn more and apply here.

Aerospace Jobs Taking Off

This spring, the Governor signed into law an agreement with Lockheed Martin—parent company of Sikorsky Aircraft—that will strengthen the aircraft manufacturing company’s presence in Connecticut through at least 2042 and support an estimated 30,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state. The 20-year agreement ensures that if Lockheed Martin succeeds in securing federal helicopter contracts, the production work on those new lines will occur in Connecticut.

“I can’t overstate the significance of what this means for Connecticut workers, not only for those who work directly for Sikorsky, but also for the people who are employed by the 242 suppliers located all throughout our state that contract and do business with this worldwide leading aerospace company,” Governor Ned Lamont

Hero Pay for Essential Workers

Did you know that if you were a private-sector essential worker during the pandemic, you may be eligible for up to $1,000 in premium pay benefits? The state budget approved by the General Assembly and Governor Ned Lamont includes a $30 million “Hero Pay” fund. Learn more and apply here.

Governor Lamont toured auto parts maker FCP Euro in Milford. The company was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of most successful companies in America. The company has grown from about 30 employees to over 300.

“I feel very bullish and optimistic about Connecticut. We are proud to live and work and play here. We are seeing a very strong consumer demand right now especially in the automotive industry,”

Scott Drozd, CEO of FCP Euro

Candidates’ Corner

An interview with Rachel Khanna, candidate for State Representative of the 149th district.

What issues most concern voters

in your district?

I talk to many residents who are concerned about funding for our public schools, protection of reproductive freedoms, and gun safety.

What would you most like to accomplish if you are elected?

Greenwich contributes so much to our state budget. I would like to make sure we get our fair share through state bonding and community funding to help us with remediation of contaminated fields at Western Middle School and Greenwich High School, and to improve fire response times in Northwest Greenwich. I also want to make sure that reproductive freedom is protected and that we have strong gun safety laws.

What's something many people don't know about you?

I was born in France, published two cookbooks, and am a triathlete.

Editorial that caught our eye

I'm still in Connecticut – the state is looking better all the time. Robert Lally, senior partner at Federman, Lally & Remis, writes, “Three years ago, I wrote on these pages about not moving to Florida. ...Bottom line, I’m still in Connecticut....

The state is looking better all the time. We have restrictive, but to my mind, thoughtful gun laws that include limits on assault weapons and large magazines. Our state officials rarely embarrass us on national television. We wore masks as directed during the worst of COVID times. Connecticut supports a woman’s right to choose. ...

That’s why I’m still here, with world-class medical care, excellent education opportunities, and the best pizza in America.

I share the state with fellow residents who seem reasonable, less radical, more sociable.”