"The pause in CMMC Phase II gives companies additional time to prepare, strengthen their cybersecurity posture, and address gaps before future requirements take effect."
Connecticut is one of several states partnering with a new nonprofit organization to help workers thrive in an AI world and support job growth in the new tech economy. On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut is joining Arkansas, Maryland, and Utah in partnership with RAISE US , an organization bringing together states, employers, workers, and educators to build a workforce infrastructure that supports and trains workers to succeed in a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. “We need to ensure that Connecticut workers and Connecticut jobs benefit from these breakthroughs and do not get left behind,” said Lamont . In May, Lamont signed legislation to help prepare Connecticut’s workforce with the developing technical skills related to AI by establishing new training programs. “Through this partnership with RAISE US, we are committing to take practical next steps to ensure our state has the policies, coalitions, and resources in place to help workers gain new skills, support families through periods of change, and connect people to growing careers,” said Lamont. RAISE US was co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former Governor of Rhode Island, Gina Raimondo, and former Indiana Governor, Eric Holcomb, the co-chair of the organization’s board of directors. According to a press release from Lamont’s office, RAISE US recognizes that emerging technologies are reshaping the economy and require a collaborative approach that brings together state partners, employers, education and training providers, and innovative public policy. “America has a technology strategy for leading the global AI competition. It does not yet have a people strategy—and we cannot lead without one,” Raimondo said. “If we build the best AI systems in the world and leave millions of Americans behind, we won’t have won anything.” Raimondo acknowledged that while AI will create new jobs and industries, it could also bring significant workforce disruption. The RAISE US website cites projections that AI will create a net 78 million new jobs worldwide by 2030, and that workers with AI skills earn, on average, 68% more than workers without those skills. “We shouldn’t fearmonger, but we can’t pretend our training and worker support systems are ready, either. It’s time for innovative and practical solutions,” said Raimondo. “RAISE US gives state leaders a playbook that connects more Americans with the skills and careers needed in the years ahead,” said Holcomb. He emphasized that workforce development is an “all hands-on-deck moment”, not an issue divided along political lines. “I learned this work gets done at the state level, in partnership with employers—not by mandates from Washington,” said Holcomb. The press release states that RAISE US is partnering with leading global technology companies and labor groups, and is building a set of partnerships to support its research, policy, and employer-engagement work with numerous research and consulting groups. “We’ve assembled the country's leading companies, best economists, and philanthropy at a scale rarely seen—all to advance new ideas and incentives, pilot them with governors and business, and scale what works,” said Raimondo. "I want the workforce of Connecticut to look at the years ahead and see opportunity, not uncertainty,” said Lamont.  For Connecticut manufacturers, the initiative could help strengthen the pipeline of workers with AI and advanced technology skills as companies continue adopting automation and digital manufacturing tools.
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On March 25, 2026, CONNSTEP celebrated its 25th anniversary with a memorable gala at Hartford's historic Bushnell Performing Arts Center.
WHI Global, a leading vertically integrated manufacturer serving the aerospace and defense industry, announced the opening of its Aerobond Composites manufacturing facility in Enfield.
Manufacturers across Connecticut are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.
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Governor Ned Lamont announced that Marcia LaFemina has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Connecticut Workforce Champion Award.
CONNSTEP is proud to share that President and CEO Beatriz N. Gutierrez has been named one of the Hartford Business Journal’s 2026 Women in Business honorees.
“We were pleased to get this grant,” said Congressman Larson. “It comes because of the mission, and it comes because of CONNSTEP’s initiative.”
