Advancing Opportunities: The CHEFA, CHESLA, and CHEFA CDC 2025 Legislative Agenda.
As we move into 2025, CHEFA, CHESLA, and CHEFA CDC are committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen Connecticut’s economy, workforce, and community well-being. This year’s legislative agenda reflects a focus on childcare accessibility, workforce recruitment and retention, and statewide workforce development efforts.
Here’s what we’ll be working on in 2025:
Expanding Access to Childcare
CHEFA is championing a proposal to address one of Connecticut’s most pressing needs: childcare. By amending CHEFA’s enabling statutes to include for-profit home-based childcare providers in its programming, this initiative seeks to diversify the range of projects and providers eligible for funding. This expansion will ensure that more families across Connecticut have access to quality childcare, a cornerstone for building a strong and reliable workforce.
This proposal reflects CHEFA’s commitment to supporting working families and creating opportunities for childcare providers to thrive in every corner of our state.
Strengthening Workforce Recruitment and Retention
CHESLA is introducing proposals to enhance its role in Connecticut’s workforce recruitment and retention efforts. These initiatives include:
Expanding the Alliance District Loan Subsidy (ADLS) Program: By amending PA 21-62, CHESLA will add high-priority occupations in Alliance Districts, as determined by the State Department of Education (SDE) in consultation with CHESLA, to the list of eligible professions.
Broadening High Priority Occupation Loan Subsidies: In collaboration with the Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), CHESLA will identify and establish additional high-demand occupations eligible for the High Priority Occupation Loan Subsidy Program created under PA 24-52.
These enhancements will align with Connecticut’s workforce needs, offering targeted support to professionals in critical roles and ensuring the state remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
Supporting Workforce Development
To bolster workforce development, CHESLA seeks to repurpose a portion of its funds originally allocated for the Alliance District Loan Subsidy Program (ADLS). This will allow these funds to support the High Priority Occupation Loan Subsidy Program established under PA 24-52. This strategic reallocation will amplify the impact of CHESLA’s resources, driving more effective support for workforce development initiatives statewide.
Shaping Connecticut’s Future Together
Every proposal in our 2025 legislative agenda is a step toward a more inclusive future for Connecticut. From enhancing access to childcare to empowering the workforce of tomorrow, CHEFA, CHESLA, and CHEFA CDC are dedicated to fostering opportunities and building a stronger, more prosperous Connecticut.
CHEFA is proud to build on previous successes and looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders across Connecticut to turn these initiatives into reality. Together, we can ensure that our state continues to thrive for years to come.
