The governor is proposing the end of license application fees that some workers are required to pay to obtain some jobs in the education, childcare and healthcare fields.
Gov. Ned Lamont said the intention is to encourage workers to seek jobs in fields in which there is a significant need to fill available openings.
He said his plan would save the workers about $3.5 million annually.
The plan will be in the budget proposal that Lamont presents to lawmakers in February.
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“Right now, there are many job openings in essential fields that employers need to fill, and by eliminating these licensure application fees we can help encourage those who are seeking employment to consider entering a career in these sectors,” Lamont said in a statement. “I am hopeful that legislators will agree and vote to approve these fee reductions.”
This is what the governor is proposing:
- Eliminate the initial application fee for educator certificates
- Fee: $200
- Generates about $1 million in annual revenue
- Eliminate the initial application fee for home childcare licenses
- Fee: The home childcare license fee costs $40 and the initial application fee for staff costs $15 Combined, they generate about $20,000 in annual revenue
- Eliminate the initial application fee for registered nurse licenses
- Fee: $180
- Generates a little more than $2 million in annual revenue
- Eliminate the initial application fee for practical nurse licenses
- Fee: $150
- Generates about $174,300 in annual revenue
- Eliminate the initial application fee for advanced practice registered nurse licenses
- Fee: $200
- Generates about $260,000 in annual revenue
The Connecticut Education Association said they are pleased with the governor's decision to eliminate teacher licensure application fees.
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"CEA has been working hard to eliminate unnecessary barriers for students and others hoping to enter our profession, and cost is one of the most significant of these," a CEA spokesperson said.
Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly released a statement about the governor's proposal.
“Republicans have consistently proposed policies which remove barriers to entering the workforce and make Connecticut a more prosperous state. Elimination of these fees will be among the centerpieces of our ‘A Better Way to an Affordable Connecticut’ plan which we will unveil next month. Opportunity is out of reach for far too many, and that lack of opportunity is tied to struggles throughout all aspects of life. We must make Connecticut more supportive of opportunity, training, and good paying jobs to support all families. We must support our young people, develop our workforce, and address the growing demand for tradespeople, teachers, and health care workers. For far too long, Connecticut’s economy has not created better paying jobs. That’s unacceptable. We must work collaboratively to create multi-faceted pathways to prosperity for Connecticut families, a more vibrant workforce and a more affordable state,” Kelly's statement says.
Lamont will deliver his State of the State and Budget Address at noon on Feb. 7.
