Connecticut Senate Bill SB01002

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/11
• Refer: 2/17/11
• Report Pass: 3/17/11
• Refer: 3/25/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11
• Refer: 4/7/11
• Report Pass: 4/13/11
• Refer: 4/27/11

Caption

An Act Transferring The Office Of Workforce Competitiveness And Commission On Culture And Tourism To The Department Of Economic And Community Development And Other Changes To Economic Development Statutes.

Impact

The implications of SB01002 will be significant as it modifies various sections of existing economic development statutes. The bill not only elevates the responsibility of economic development in the planning and execution of programs but also strengthens the connection between workforce training and cultural tourism. This could lead to improved funding allocations and the more effective use of resources aimed at enhancing Connecticut's appeal as a tourist destination while simultaneously nurturing its workforce capabilities.

Summary

SB01002 aims to enhance the State's Economic and Community Development initiatives by transferring the Office of Workforce Competitiveness and the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism to the Department of Economic and Community Development. This structural change is intended to streamline operations and reduce redundancies among state agencies responsible for workforce development and cultural tourism initiatives. By consolidating these offices, the bill seeks to create a more cohesive strategy towards economic growth and community enrichment in Connecticut.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB01002 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. While supporters argue that the consolidation will improve efficiency and enhance the Focus on Connecticut's economic objectives, critics express concerns about the potential loss of dedicated focus on culture and tourism, which may be neglected under a broader economic development strategy. This highlights the ongoing debate over prioritizing economic growth versus maintaining essential cultural initiatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the changeover in governance and the effectiveness of the new structure in addressing the unique needs of workforce development and cultural tourism. Critics argue that merging these entities into one department could dilute the specific missions of each office and lead to inadequate representation of cultural initiatives within state policy-making.