Keeping the Roads Open and the Lights On: Updates on Connecticut’s Transportation and Electric Utility Infrastructure
This presentation will discuss the state’s transportation and energy grids, their biggest threats, and the legislature’s response. We’ll review the condition of the state’s aging roads and bridges, the push for efficient and affordable public transportation, as well as funding issues. We’ll also provide an update of recent laws and regulatory actions aimed at making electric service reliable and resilient and rethinking how to pay for it.
Presenters:
Mary Fitzpatrick
Jenn Proto
Michael Murphy (OFA)
Help Wanted: Labor Shortages, In-Demand Sectors, and Workforce Development Strategies in CT
Who's hiring? Certain occupations in the state are facing hiring and retention challenges. This presentation will highlight Connecticut's in-demand sectors with a focus on those facing the highest number of labor shortages. Workforce development, job training, and incentive programs recently implemented by the legislature will be discussed, in addition to strategies and programs the legislature may choose to pursue in the upcoming 2023 session.
Presenter:
Jessica Callahan
No Place Like Home: Housing Availability & Affordability in Connecticut
This presentation will explore the state’s housing landscape, looking at current housing stock and affordability programs, and outlining the findings from recent population-specific needs assessments. Considering the needs of seniors, recent graduates, first-time homebuyers, and the workforce, among others, we will outline recent legislation aimed at ensuring a varied and adequate housing supply in the state.
Presenters:
Julia Hiob-Bansal
Shaun McGann
Pop Quiz: An Overview of Connecticut’s Public School Curriculum Development
Who decides what is taught in public schools? This presentation explores different federal, state, and local factors that inform school curriculum development. It also explains terms that are commonly used in curriculum design.
Presenter:
Marybeth Sullivan
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (of Early Voting)
Our early voting voyage may begin soon; a constitutional amendment adopted last month means the 2023 legislature may consider establishing in-person early voting. Join our resident elections hitchhiker (a former Minnesotan) for a panoramic view look of early voting trends and policies across the country and what Connecticut might learn from its sister states.
Presenter:
Matthew Frame
Issue Briefs
In tandem with the conference, OLR has prepared a series of Issue Briefs — concise two-page reports providing an overview of topics that may be of interest in the upcoming legislative session.
