Yash Roy Photo
Lamont mixes with seniors at the Whitney Center during Chamber gathering.
At Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce’s first in-person annual breakfast meeting since the beginning of the pandemic, Gov. Ned Lamont touted his administration’s record on the pandemic as well as the net gain in population within the state, a reversal from the 2010s when more people were leaving the state.
Lamont also heard some sharp words on increased state funding for private universities from Quinnipiac University Provost Debra J. Liebowitz.
The Chamber gathering took place Tuesday morning at the Whitney Center. Lamont gave the keynote address.
“Connecticut is ranked, I believe, 42nd in spending for dollars per student going out to higher ed,” said Liebowitz. “There are some really easy ways to fix that. For instance, you could spend $50 million at UConn building up their engineering department, which could take a long time to scale up. Or you could invest $5,000 per student at Quinnipiac and have us make changes tomorrow.”
Lamont delivers keynote address.
While Lamont didn’t directly respond to this comment from Liebowitz, he touted his administration’s efforts to make 16 – 18-week certificate programs more accessible through providing free daycare and help with other expenses.
Lamont also heard concern that a lack of access to childcare is leading to worker shortages in businesses across Hamden. A new state law subsidizes and expands at-home care, Lamont said, offering hope that child care barriers would no longer prevent people from going to work.
Lamont also spent time talking about new tax cuts which are going into effect on July 1, and an end to on 401ks and pensions in the hopes of keeping seniors in Connecticut.
“If you want to move to Florida because of taxes, you don’t have to anymore. Stay in Connecticut and watch your grandchildren grow up in person instead of over Zoom,” said Lamont.
UConn's engineering department is pretty good already. UNH was known as an engineering school. QU was never known for engineering, but for business and allied health. With family members who have recently graduated from both UConn and QU, I would hire UConn way before hiring from QU. (Note: Yale hasn't had a good engineering program since Sheff closed.)