WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) authored an op-ed in The Day to make the case for investing in workforce development programs as the U.S. Senate continues its negotiations on an infrastructure package. Murphy highlighted the importance of expanding workforce development opportunities to grow Connecticut’s economy by training and connecting skilled workers with the over 4,400 manufacturers in the state.

“Workforce development is one of those phrases that gets tossed around but doesn’t often mean much to people. But at its core, these initiatives are straightforward. They provide people the chance to learn new skills in growing fields. And often, since these programs already have relationships with employers in need of quality talent, they help people secure jobs upon graduation,” Murphy wrote. “On top of that, these programs are often free of charge. And they’re generally designed for unemployed and under-employed individuals, so they give a leg up to those who need it most.”

“I was excited to see that President Biden's infrastructure proposal, the American Jobs Plan, called for a $100 billion investment in a program that prepares people in underserved communities for careers in clean energy, manufacturing, and other high-demand sectors,” Murphy continued. “Proposals like these would have a huge impact on workers, but it would also mean a lot for the over 4,400 manufacturers in our state. I hear all the time from CEOs and small business owners who have open jobs but can’t find the talent to fill them. If we want to grow our economy and reduce unemployment, we need to make these kinds of overdue investments.”

“But here’s my worry: if we only pass the more limited, bipartisan infrastructure agreement, we won’t meet the needs of the moment. That’s why we plan to move forward with a bipartisan agreement as well as a broader package that funds workforce development, climate crisis mitigation, child care programs and rail investments along the Northeast Corridor — things that actually make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in Connecticut,” Murphy continued.

Murphy concluded, “Now, I’m going to be pushing for workforce development programs in this infrastructure package. We have the opportunity to make sure the 21st century is Made in America, we just have to be willing to make smart, bold investments.”

Murphy highlighted the WorkPlace, a workforce development program focused on long-term unemployment in Connecticut at a U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing earlier this year.

You can read the full op-ed here. 


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