By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy. I know there have been frustrations on the part of our elderly residents and their family members regarding the Vaccine Access Management System (VAMS). I am pleased to share that the United Way 211 line will have 75 additional staff helping with vaccine access, the state is working with partnerships with senior centers to assist with signup, the Centers for Disease Control is helping to improve the usability of VAMS, and a new interactive map accessible at ct.gov/covidvaccine will advertise vaccination sites statewide.
More Than 300,000 Vaccine Doses Administered, More than 42,000 Have Received Second Shot
Connecticut has administered 308,502 total vaccine doses so far, with 265,947 first doses given and 42,555 second doses given. The state remains fourth nationally in vaccination rate with 27 percent of residents over 75 years old receiving at least one dose, though supply limitations are preventing further success. While the state is receiving roughly 50,000 doses per week, Connecticut medical providers have requested up to or more than 150,000 doses to protect the population.
Job Training and Workforce Development Update
State Leaders Focus on Workforce Development
With nearly 200,000 Connecticut residents filing for unemployment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, state leaders are preparing to address the state’s increasing need to invest in and develop new, robust workforce development programs and help residents return to work, potentially among new career pathways. Proposals include the development of a short-term training coordination platform called CareerConneCT, which will develop new training programs in industries with high labor demands.
The state will also receive a $10 million grant from the federal Department of Labor to develop information technology and advanced manufacturing career pathways, intended to help retrain more than 2,000 residents. More information on the proposals will be made available in coming weeks.
Skill Up for Manufacturing Applications Open
2021’s “Skill Up For Manufacturing,” a Workforce Alliance CT program that includes a free five-week hybrid classroom and hands-on training program with a cash stipend, at least 175 pre-apprenticeship hours, Six Sigma certification, an OSHA 10 safety card and job development opportunities, is now accepting applications. Whether you’re seeking job training to start a career or are looking to pivot to new opportunities, this program is a great resource.
Classes will be held in five-week spans at Middlesex Community College and Vinal Technical High School in Middletown from March 1 to April 2 from 3 to 9 p.m. and at Gateway Community College and Eli Whitney Technical High School in New Haven and Hamden April 19 to May 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. To apply, click here and indicate preferred training location; applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, be Connecticut residents and be able to work in the United States.
Connecticut Restaurant Relief Fund Taking Applications for Grants
With the continued negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in consideration, the Connecticut Restaurant Relief Fund is now taking applications to raise funds and support financial relief for restaurants and food service businesses. The Fund seeks to provide state restaurants with grants valued at up to $5,000 per location, with funds distributed as they become available. Those grants are intended to help operators keep doors open and workers employed through the end of the pandemic. For more information and to apply, please visit this link.
Eversource “Kill-A-Watt” Energy Efficiency Kits Available at Local Libraries
Eversource has created “Kill-A-Watt” kits for customers interested in examining and potentially reducing the amount of electricity they consume. Any Eversource customer can visit their local library to check out a “Kill-A-Watt” meter and information explaining electricity use. That meter can help residents record the amount of electricity they’re consuming and can access tips to learn how to better reduce their energy and electricity costs. For more information, visit www.eversource.com or call 877-WISE-USE.
Women’s Business Development Council To Hold Online Events
This week, the Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council will host two events online to help educate the public about new programs and to help business owners connect with each other. On Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., the WBDC will host a town hall on the new Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave program, specifically discussing it from the perspective of employees and describing its benefits once it becomes active. Registration for that event is available here.
On Friday, the WBDC will host a form on women-owned businesses with State Representative Caroline Simmons at 2 p.m. Registration for that event is available here.
