Connecticut SB 00003: 21st Century Jobs Act Summary

• Establishes Office of Workforce Competitiveness within the Department of Economic and Community Development, led by an executive director appointed by the Governor, replacing workforce functions previously scattered across agencies and replacing the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission with the Governor's Workforce Council

• Creates Governor's Workforce Council as a 24-member board with majority business representation to oversee state workforce development strategy, regional boards, and implementation of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements

• Expands workforce development programs including apprenticeships, preapprenticeships, training for dislocated workers, incumbent worker training, and career pathways aligned with high-demand industries like manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and green technology

• Extends job creation tax credits for new, qualifying, and veteran employees, with credits available from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021, allowing $500-900 per month per employee depending on employment status

• Mandates studies and task forces on tourism employment, ex-offender reintegration, veteran workforce connections, manufacturing skills training, research and development tax credits, and federal prison industry programs, with reports due by January 2021