WATERBURY, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Governor Ned Lamont has put forth a proposal for the legislature that includes investing strategies using American Rescue Plan Act funding for Connecticut's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
While at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury Friday with numerous state commissioners, Lamont announced that his proposed allocation plan focuses on investing in key initiatives surrounding education, childcare, mental health and recovery services, public health efforts and the state's workforce.
According to the Secretary of the Office of Policy & Management, Melissa McCaw, Connecticut is receiving $6 billion in American Rescue Plan and other federal funding with over $3 billion of the funds going directly to the state.
The governor's allocation plan focuses on $2.6 billion of that funding, McCaw said, along with other federal funds.
Among the key initiatives is a proposed $220 million to help sustain the state's childcare infrastructure and to address equity within childcare.
Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said there will also be efforts to help families through a new initiative that expands home visiting to all Connecticut families.
"Starting in the regions hardest hit by COVID, families will receive one to three home visits in a baby's first 12 weeks of life. Home visitors will check on the mother's health and the baby's health and connect families to resources and, as needed, to community health workers," Bye said.
Student education re-engagement is another key initiative with the focus being on providing services over the summer to get students ready for school in the fall.
Education Acting Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said funding will go toward summer learning programs, college student recruitment for mentorship programs for younger kids, and other fun summer opportunities.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has put together a plan that invests over $10 million in mental health services, Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said.
On the Public Health side, Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford for the Department of Public Health said the funding will go toward the continuation of COVID-19 testing and vaccine efforts and community health workers to help Connecticut families, among others.
As for Connecticut's workforce, Commissioner David Lehman with the Department of Economic & Community Development said there are three main focus points for economic investments.
"One is growing opportunities for everyone in Connecticut for the jobs of tomorrow. Secondly, we want to make critical investments that enable innovation, entrepreneurship and business formation in the state of Connecticut. And third, we want to further invest in the livability and vibrancy of our big cities but as well as our small towns," Lehman said.
Governor Ned Lamont said the plan is to use the money in a way that makes a lasting difference.