Economy & Jobs
More on Economy & Jobs
July 8, 2016
Press Release
“The final rule issued yesterday establishing new restrictions on the use of the Central and Western Long Island Sound Dredged Material Disposal Sites goes a long way toward protecting the environment while advancing Connecticut’s maritime economic interests. Long Island Sound waterways contribute more than $9 billion annually to our economic output in the region and maintaining navigable shipping channels is critical to the long-term health of our state’s economy. From the submarine base in Groton to family-owned marinas up and down our coast, thousands of residents across our state depend on reliable access to local waterways for their livelihoods. We are pleased that the amended restrictions announced yesterday prioritize disposing of dredged materials on land to mitigate any harm to the environment and the region’s fish and shellfish stocks. EPA was able to strike the right balance between ensuring our maritime economy continues to thrive while protecting both the scenic beauty and biological diversity of the Sound.”
June 3, 2016
Press Release
“The roundtable at Grasso Tech this morning was a great opportunity to once again get all of the key stakeholders for the manufacturing pipeline into one place,” said the delegation members. “The discussion was focused on how we build upon the success of the first graduating class in order to make sure that we are training enough skilled workers to meet the growing need in high-tech manufacturing. With work at Electric Boat quickly ramping up, we need to be doing everything we can to prepare Connecticut workers to fill new positions at the shipyard and across the state-wide network of suppliers.”
May 23, 2016
Press Release
"As Members of Congress from states with rich fishing heritage and storied maritime industries, we write today to voice our concerns about the current fishery management structure for the black sea bass, summer flounder, and scup fish stocks,” wrote the delegation members. “As fluctuations in ocean temperatures shift fish populations northward, New England fishermen are unfairly shortchanged when bountiful stocks managed by a Fishery Management Council outside of their region allocates local states low catch quotas."
March 10, 2016
Press Release
“This was a great opportunity to speak directly with local selectmen, fire chiefs, nonprofits, and other community leaders from across the district about the benefits of working with the USDA-Rural Development program,” said Courtney. “All too often, rural communities do not have access to the credit necessary to begin long-term projects like bridges, schools, or municipal complexes, and these loans and grants provided through the USDA ensure eastern Connecticut towns do not get left behind. During the reauthorization of the Farm Bill in 2014, I worked hard to maintain rural development eligibility in Connecticut by ensuring the definition of rural included small communities in Eastern Connecticut. I want to thank all of our local leaders who came out to learn more about the grant program, and I look forward to working with them to obtain additional grant funding for our district this year.”
March 7, 2016
Press Release
“The long range strike bomber is a critical program for our nation, and I can think of no better supplier for its engines than the hard working men and women of Pratty & Whitney”, said Ranking Member Courtney. “Once again, Connecticut has been called on to play a key role in a high priority national security effort – and I know that Pratt, its workers, and the state-wide network of suppliers that supports them are equal to the task. This is a good day for our state, and I proud to be working on the subcommittee to ensure the success of the B-21 program.”
January 30, 2016
Op-Ed
Earlier this week, one of Connecticut's oldest employers sent a jolt through the headlines. Electric Boat President Jeff Geiger announced plans to hire 1,500 engineers, metal trades workers and support personnel at its Connecticut facilities in 2016. The announcement included a positive forecast for the years ahead, with projected growth from 14,000 employees up to 18,000 by 2030.
January 29, 2016
Press Release
“It seems unreasonable to us that a decision of this magnitude, which will have a significant impact on Connecticut fishermen would be made without any input from stakeholders in our state,” said the delegation members. “This change would prevent Connecticut fishermen and lobstermen from harvesting in waters around Block Island Sound as they have done for decades, unless first obtaining costly permits from New York or Rhode Island. We believe that this misguided legislation was crafted strategically to benefit certain states while disproportionately harming the Connecticut fishing industry. At the very least, any consideration of this bill going forward should include voices from all areas that would be impacted by this change – including from our state.”
January 26, 2016
In The News
Electric Boat will add more than 800 new jobs in Connecticut this year thanks to robust military spending on the U.S. submarine program, the manufacturer said Monday.
January 25, 2016
Press Release
“The strong hiring outlook for Electric Boat this year will provide a profound boost to the economy of our region and the state,” said Courtney. “As this morning’s presentation clearly shows, the growth in investment in submarine programs over the last several years - and more ahead- is driving growth not just at Electric Boat and the southeastern Connecticut region, but across the state-wide network of suppliers and manufacturers that support this critical work."
January 21, 2016
Press Release
“Sheffield Pharmaceuticals is a great example of an eastern Connecticut company on the rise globally,” said Courtney. “We know that more than 95% of the world’s customers today live outside of the United States, and in order for our companies to keep pace around the world we need to be selling more of our products abroad. The U.S. Department of Commerce offers a wealth of information and resources for domestic companies that are looking to increase their international footprint. Since my office was able to connect Sheffield Pharmaceuticals with the U.S. Department of Commerce regional office for Connecticut last year, the company has been able to double total international exports and has gone from operating in 20 foreign markets up to nearly 60.”