State Representatives Propose Submarine Jobs Act

HARTFORD, CT — On Friday, State Representatives Christine Conley (Democrat-Groton, Ledyard) and Joe de la Cruz (Democrat-Groton, New London) filed the Submarine Jobs and Opportunities Building Success Act (JOBS Act). This proposed legislation will invest a total of $150 million in increasing Connecticut’s defense manufacturing jobs and workforce development, according to a release.

Specifically, the act Conley is proposing will dedicate $100 million in funds over five years for building infrastructure to meet the demand of increased submarine contracts.

The legislation also proposes to invest $50 million over 10 years in workforce programs, community colleges and high schools that correspond with the demands of defense contracts for submarine design, construction, repair and maintenance.

“Defense manufacturing companies such as Electric Boat have been awarded billions of dollars in submarine contracts in recent years. As the demand for defense manufacturing increases, so too does our need for a skilled workforce,” Conley said in a release. “This legislation will not only help these companies meet their workforce needs, but it will also increase the number of local job opportunities and allow Connecticut to remain competitive with surrounding states.”

In September, Electric Boat was awarded a $5 billion contract to complete the design of the Columbia class submarine and announced it will need to hire between 15,000 to 18,000 workers by 2030.

"This contract is a huge economic driver for Groton as well as the state, but we need to make sure those thousands of jobs are fulfilled in house," Conley said. "That is why creating an effective job pipeline that is easily accessible to state residents is so important. This proposal connects college and high school students with the proper resources and work development programs that will help ensure defense manufacturing companies like Electric Boat hire future employees that are Connecticut resident and graduates."

“One of our goals this year is to pass legislation that will boost the economy, expand the workforce, and improve the efficiency of training programs. With this specific proposal, we hope create more job opportunities and give the next generation of workers the tools they need to launch a career in the defense manufacturing field,” de la Cruz said in a release. “Defense contracts for submarine design and construction have proved to be big business in Connecticut and with Electric Boat’s recent submarine contracts, we need to ensure we have the skilled workers to meet this growing workforce demand.”

“As Electric Boat ramps up to meet their long term defense contracts, it is critical that we invest in the region’s infrastructure needs and workforce development initiatives to ensure there are the necessary skilled workers to fill the thousands of jobs that will be created in the coming years,” Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (Democrat-Berlin/Southington) said in a release. “Representatives Conley and de la Cruz are right on target with their long term vision for southeastern Connecticut’s economy, and I look forward to working with them on moving this legislation forward.”

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