HB 7094, An Act Requiring The Office Of Workforce Strategy To Convene A Working Group To Expand Paid Work-Based Learning Opportunities

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 7094, An Act Requiring The Office Of Workforce Strategy To Convene A Working Group To Expand Paid Work-Based Learning Opportunities. CHA supports this bill.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

HB 7094 calls for the Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) to convene a working group to develop a plan and recommend legislation for the establishment of a grant program to increase paid internships and work-based learning opportunities for students in postsecondary education programs.

CHA appreciates the legislature’s attention to bolstering workforce efforts in the state and underscoring the relevance of the bill to the healthcare sector.

Providing financial support for students interested in pursuing post-secondary studies, particularly in healthcare, is aligned with CHA’s ongoing work and advocacy. As the committee considers the composition of the work group and the inclusion of “employers from various industries,” we emphasize the role of hospitals as the largest employers in Connecticut and request to be included in this critical work.

Connecticut hospitals work diligently to support their workers and are at the forefront of creating new ways to attract new talent and enhance recruitment and retention. Providing financial incentives for students, identifying opportunities for career advancement, and supporting continuing education are important ways hospitals are supporting the workforce.

CHA has developed a strong relationship with OWS by working together to support initiatives that rapidly retrain Connecticut workers for jobs in healthcare (CareerConneCT), creating regional sector partnerships to enhance collaboration in communities across the state, and developing healthcare career pathways for high school students. We look forward to continuing our partnership with OWS and maintaining our progress in supporting the growth of the healthcare workforce.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.