(HARTFORD, CONN. WTIC Radio) - The Commissioner of the Department of Community and Economic Development told a legislative hearing today that the state should be concerned over the loss of manufacturing jobs.
"Manufacturing is one of the most important sectors of our economy... whether it's submarines or aircraft engines... we need to track that like a hawk and make sure our manufacturing is competitive," David Lehman said.
He spoke at a public hearing before the Appropriations, Commerce and Finance and Revenue and Bonding Committees.
Likely factors include a graying workforce, he said. According to Lehman, Connecticut has about eighty thousand job openings and 100-thousand residents receiving unemployment benefits.
During the public hearing, Lehman took exception with State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) who said the hospitality sector had to reduce hours, "because nobody wants to work."
"Data shows that Connecticut didn't disadvantage itself by keeping those unemployment benefits in place," Lehman responded.