Gov. Ned Lamont likes to say he prefers “more taxpayers” over “more taxes.” To get there, he needs the state’s workforce to grow.

In an effort to do just that, the governor this week established a state workforce commission aimed at helping Connecticut’s youngest workers. It will be led by former U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. 

In an executive order signed on Thursday, the governor laid out the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission, tasked with helping create a system that will connect students to jobs in high-demand fields. The commission will be made up of unpaid volunteers, with members including “leaders from the K-12 and higher education and workforce board systems, employers, labor representatives, municipal leaders, governmental leaders, legislators, community representatives, and students,” according to a press release. 

The commission’s work in the coming months will focus on developing a five-year strategic plan targeting four key areas: career pathway design and delivery, expanding student attainment of industry-recognized credentials, creating a statewide model for work-based learning and employer engagement, and outlining the policy, administrative, and funding changes needed to accomplish the task.

“Connecticut’s long-term economic competitiveness depends on how well we work together to prepare people not only for the jobs of today but also for the jobs of the future,”  Lamont said in a statement announcing the executive order. “We must have a system where students and jobseekers can see the full arc of opportunity, a system where employers help shape the programs that prepare their future workforce, and a system where everyone — from classrooms to campuses to companies — is aligned around shared goals and shared outcomes.”

The commission is expected to release a report and recommendations by Dec. 31. 

In appointing Cardona, who also served as Connecticut’s education commissioner and as an administrator and teacher in Meriden’s public school system, Lamont is dedicating high-profile manpower to the effort. 

“He knows what works here in Connecticut, and he knows what works around the country,” Lamont told reporters on Thursday. 

News of Cardona’s appointment was first shared at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association’s 2026 Workforce Summit. 

Cardona’s career has largely focused on addressing disparities in education, with the goal of increasing access for students from marginalized and vulnerable backgrounds. That focus has won him support with parents and fellow educators. It was also a factor in his appointment to lead the U.S Department of Education in 2021.  

As the commission prepares to get to work, Cardona said he wants to ensure opportunities are available to students across Connecticut.

“We have pockets of excellence across the state,” Cardona said during a panel discussion at the workforce summit. “The challenge is systematizing what we know works so this becomes the rule, not the exception.”

A new report highlights the importance of career pathways

The new career pathways initiative will also rely on the state’s business community as a key partner. CBIA’s president and CEO, Chris DiPentima, will also sit on the Career Pathways Commission, the organization said on Friday. 

During the workforce event, the state’s largest business organization released a new report, known as the “Connecticut Workforce & Education Strategy Blueprint,” that detailed why better alignment between schools, state officials and employers is necessary. CBIA suggested a framework for the effort, highlighting the need for schools to better prepare students — specifically high-schoolers — for the workforce. 

“Connecticut’s economy depends on whether we can connect students to real career opportunities earlier and more effectively,” CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord said in a statement released with the report. “This blueprint focuses on practical steps to reduce barriers, improve coordination, and ensure our education‑to‑workforce system is aligned with the needs of our employers.”

The report pointed to opportunities for growth. While the state is currently dealing with a declining workforce and close to 70,000 open positions, Department of Labor data suggested that the state would experience a notable increase in employment between 2022 and 2032. 

A significant portion of that growth is expected to be in jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree, including in industries like hospitality, health care, transportation and manufacturing. The report estimated that these roles could account for more than 55% of job growth by 2034. 

To make these industries more accessible to students, the blueprint called for a more intentional statewide effort that includes better coordination between schools and employers.

In the coming months, the hope is that the new commission will give this effort a strong foundation. 

“Improving upward mobility for Connecticut students by increasing career pathways in our schools will benefit them, our communities, and our state’s economic viability,” Cardona said on Thursday. “When our students win, our state wins.”

Once again, Connecticut Magazine has surveyed a panel of food experts to share their favorite places for it Top Restaurants for 2026 list. Experts have named restaurants in dozens of categories, from top cuisine (American, Mexican, Chinese, vegetarian, etc.) to outstanding apps and desserts, romantic ambiance, beer and wine selections and the top places to grab a burger or a slice of apizza.

607 Brewster St., Bridgeport, 203-212-3386 

164 Main St., Norwalk, 203-846-8009

954 E Main St., Stamford, 203-323-3176 

430 Main Ave., Norwalk, 203-354-7329

340 Arch St., New Britain, 860-518-0708 

162 Shield St., West Hartford, 860-953-2672

51 Isham Road, West Hartford, 860-216-9285

730 Barnum Ave. Cutoff, Stratford, 203-540-5825

1641 CT-12, Gales Ferry, 860-381-5765 

The Connecticut Sun announced the launch of its “Sunset Season,” its final season playing in the state before moving to Houston, Texas.

Throughout the 2026 season, the Sun said it’ll honor more than two decades of “unforgettable moments, legendary players, and the fans who have been the heart of the organization.”

It was officially announced by the Mohegan Tribe on Monday that the team was sold and would be moving, making this season the Sun’s last in Connecticut.

“We intend to honor every chapter of our story and make this final season our most meaningful one yet. This season is about gratitude, celebration, and giving our fans the farewell they deserve. The Connecticut Sun story is one of resilience, community, and heart, and the Sunset Season will honor all of it,” said Connecticut Sun President, Jen Rizzotti.

There will be a roll out of special initiatives, events, and fan experiences to honor the team’s legacy and impact.

There will be a new commemorative sunsey logo this season and will appear on limited edition merchandise, select game day give awards, and in-arena branding throughout the year.

The home court will also be sunset-themed, and throughout the season, the organization will welcome back Sun legends in iconic players and coaches who helped shape the organization.

Original Day 1 Season Ticket Members will get an exclusive commemorative gift celebrating their dedication from the very beginning, the organization said. The team will also lead a community court revitalizaiton project with the aim of creating a lasting gift to reflect the team’s connection to local youth, families, and fans.

Finally, the team will host a homecoming game that will reunite generations of Sun players and fans for a day that will honor the past and celebrate the team’s future.

The team is also expected to make additional announcements on events and merchandise. You can find more information on their website.