Bill > HB06956

This bill updates how youth employment and training funds are distributed to regional workforce development boards in Connecticut. Previously, the funds were allocated to specific workforce boards with fixed percentages. The new approach requires the Labor Commissioner to distribute funds based on the percentage of "disadvantaged youth" in each workforce development region, using census data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. To prevent significant financial disruption, the bill includes a provision that if any regional board would experience a funding reduction of more than 15% due to the new allocation method, the other boards' allocations will be proportionately reduced to ensure no single board loses more than 15% of its previous year's funding. The term "disadvantaged youth" refers to a specific federal definition found in 29 USC 3162(b)(2), which typically includes young people facing barriers to employment such as low income, disability, or limited English proficiency. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be applied annually, particularly when new census data is released.

Labor and Employment

Labor and Public Employees Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06956&which_year=2025