HARTFORD - State Rep.
Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, today applauded one of Gov. Dannel
P. Malloy’s legislative priorities – the creation of an Advanced
Manufacturing Fund, which will receive an initial investment of $25
million to help companies modernize and grow, purchase
equipment and develop new technologies, and provide access to training
and specialized education for workers.
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| Linda M. Gentile |
“This comes at a critical time because job creation must be our top priority,” Gentile said.
“The idea helps our manufacturers find trained
and educated workers and state-of-the-art equipment to operate on a
level playing field with their competitors and help them obtain the
capital to grow and expand.”
Historic manufacturing hubs
A key component
of the proposal is to give priority to companies that locate in the 42
communities that are historic manufacturing hubs in Connecticut, such as
Ansonia and Derby.
This provision is expected
to have a positive impact on local economic development and help lower
the high unemployment rates in some of the state’s most distressed
communities.
“Incentives
like this and a strong network between investors and the state can
transform Connecticut into a center of innovation that can be a magnet
for entrepreneurs, talented people and great ideas
to take root,” said Gentile, House Chair of the Environment Committee.
“Not only is this initiative sound economic policy, but it most
certainly is responsible and balanced environmental policy, as well.
Let's put our previous manufacturing
properties back onto our tax rolls, and protect and preserve open space
and pristine land.”
According to
the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Connecticut's manufacturing
industry’s annual output rose 5 percent over the last two years and
exceeds $24 billion or 10.5 percent of the state’s Gross
State Product.
The manufacturing industry employs 159,200 people,
representing nearly 10 percent of the state’s total non-farm jobs.
This is a press release from Gentile's office.
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