State Legislators Attend “Summer Manufacturing Series” at Local Business

State Senator Kevin C. Kelly, left, speaks with Kris Lorch of Alloy Engineering Company, Inc. at the “Summer Manufacturing Series” event in Stratford on August 1st.

Stratford – State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120) and Larry Miller (R-122) attended a business tour at Main Enterprises, Inc. that was part of a “Summer Manufacturing Series” hosted by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and the New Haven Manufacturers Association on Wednesday, August 1st.

“Manufacturing provides our community with good paying jobs,” said Senator Kevin Kelly. “With this in mind, we must do all we can to help these businesses expand and create jobs to help put our families back to work. This forum was an excellent opportunity to learn more about how legislators can play an active role in growing this important sector.”

The legislators met with business owners and workers to discuss the economy and how the state can help encourage manufacturing and job creation. According to the state Department of Labor, Connecticut has lost 50,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector during the last decade. The average salary for a manufacturing job is $74,000 per year.

“One of the keys to achieving an economic turnaround in our region and throughout the state is the retention and expansion of these types of manufacturing jobs,” said Representative Hoydick. “It is essential for those of us in the legislature to have an open dialogue with manufacturing leaders across the region as we shape policies to improve the current climate.”

“It is important to witness how the manufacturing industry is a key component in Stratford’s community and local economy,” said Representative Lawrence Miller. “We cannot afford to lose these highly skilled jobs in our region. I will continue to work towards retaining these jobs.”

The three legislators are also members of the General Assembly’s bipartisan “Manufacturing Caucus,” a group that will educate lawmakers on the value of manufacturing in the state and discuss the consequences that new legislation may have on manufacturing and job creation.