Letter from CBIA
There is no greater threat to Connecticut’s long-term economic prosperity than the state’s labor shortage.
Over three-quarters of employers told CBIA’s 2025 business survey that it was difficult to find and retain workers, with 27% — a plurality — saying the lack of skilled job applicants was the greatest barrier to growth.
The demand is there. Job openings in the state have increased 8.6% over pandemic levels. However, our labor force — the population of those working plus those looking for work — has grown just 1.2% over the same period, well below the national growth rate of 3.6%.
Addressing the labor shortage is all about realizing opportunity. It’s about unlocking Connecticut’s incredible potential, working together to make sure that everyone in this state — regardless of who they are and where they come from — has a pathway to pursue the career of their choice.
The nature of work and employee expectations are evolving rapidly, and employers must recognize that and adapt.
And yet, the doors to opportunity are shut for too many residents. Opportunity is the key to economic mobility. We must continue improving and implementing career pathways for women, immigrants, returning citizens, veterans, and those from underserved and often forgotten communities.
We need to fix the childcare system and provide more housing options. Let’s ensure our education system equips tomorrow’s workforce with the tools they need for success.
That’s why CBIA, the state’s largest business organization, is engaged on issues such as housing, childcare, and immigration.
It’s why we’re working with a growing number of state agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations. It’s why we’re collaborating and partnering with groups like Dalio Education and its Connecticut Opportunity Project (CTOP) initiative, helping amplify efforts to highlight and address the at-risk and disconnected youth crisis.
CTOP’s efforts are so critical — giving voice to Connecticut’s disconnected young people, strengthening workforce development programs across the state, and driving lasting, transformative change. We are grateful for the chance to support those efforts — Connecticut’s future and especially the futures of our young people depend on the success of these programs and initiatives.
Collaboration and partnerships are the keys to solving our challenges and ensuring we provide the opportunities for all residents to pursue meaningful, rewarding lives and drive economic growth and prosperity.
Ingenuity and creativity are core components of Connecticut’s DNA and we must lean into them to provide opportunities for all residents to pursue meaningful, rewarding lives and drive economic growth and prosperity that benefits our state and our young people.
Chris DiPentima
CEO of CBIA