Conn. facing a growing workforce shortage
Peter Francese, principal demographic forecaster for NEEP, told attendees at a conference about Connecticut's future, that demographic trends in the state portend a difficult future unless state and local policies are changed to reverse those trends.
Francese said Connecticut's 18- to 64-year-old working age population is expected to decline between now and 2030, while its elderly population, people over the age of 65, will increase 70 percent. As a result, the number of workers per elderly resident will decline by more than 40 percent, raising questions about the state's ability to produce a labor pool of skilled workers and generate the tax revenues it needs to support its aging population and infrastructure.
"I can't be too forceful or too blunt when I say this: Connecticut has a huge problem coming down the road," Francese said.
Noting Connecticut 's distinction as the state that lost the most 20- to 34-year-olds between 1990 and 2006, Francese said efforts must be made to keep and attract new young workers and families. He said creating a greater supply of starter homes and affordable rentals would help lower the cost of living for college graduates and make it more likely they would stay or come to the state.
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