HARTFORD — State Sen. Joseph Crisco (D-17), a University of Connecticut alumnus and former trustee, voted last week with a majority of the Senate to approve Gov. Dannel Malloy’s Next Generation Connecticut proposal to expand science, technology, engineering and math academic and research programs at the state’s flagship university.
Crisco said over the next 10 years the initiative will develop a highly skilled Connecticut workforce, stimulate economic growth in the state, and create jobs.
“This ‘next generation’ proposal will build upon Connecticut’s strengths and successful in-state industries by training a technologically advanced workforce and attracting research funding and private sector investment alike,” Crisco said in a press release. “The foresight built into this plan will yield a preeminent, nationally recognized center for 21st century higher learning.”
The plan authorizes $1.55 billion in new bonding over the next 10 years, positioning the university to hire 259 new faculty members, build new facilities and enroll thousands of additional students, the release stated.
Crisco said UConn’s expansion and focus on STEM is expected to attract $270 million for research and more than $500 million in business activity to Connecticut. The proposal will create an estimated 30,000 construction jobs and support some 4,050 permanent jobs.
SB840, An Act Concerning Next Generation Connecticut, advanced to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
