Connecticut lawmakers are pushing Governor Ned Lamont to release $30 million in job training funds to help residents who have lost or are at risk of losing nutrition or health care benefits due to new federal work rules.
Background
The General Assembly authorized the $30 million in borrowing for worker training 13 months ago to partially offset vanishing federal grants. However, only $10 million has been allocated so far, with $1.2 million assigned to Career ConneCT, a free, short-term training program, and $1.5 million to support new positions within the Office of Workforce Strategy.
No funds have been disbursed to the five regional Workforce Development Boards, which use state and federal funding to train workers and link them with potential employers. The boards also operate Connecticut’s American Job Centers, which provide training and other career services.
Impact
More than 30,000 residents have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits since November 1, and advocates say most of that stems from new work rules. Roughly 110,000 recipients of Medicaid health coverage through Connecticut’s HUSKY D program could lose eligibility by January 1 due to new work rules.
Lawmakers and advocates are urging the Lamont administration to release the remaining $20 million in borrowing to support job training efforts and help those who can work find employment and preserve their benefits.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
