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Erica E. Phillips
Erica covered economic development for CT Mirror from 2021 to 2024. She is now CT Mirror's state policy editor. Before moving to Connecticut to join the staff, Erica worked in Los Angeles for public radio’s Marketplace and, before that, for the Wall Street Journal's L.A. bureau. She grew up in Minneapolis, Minn., graduated from Haverford College and earned a master’s in journalism from the University of Southern California.
Posted inNews
CT Mirror editors’ selections: compelling, distinctive work in 2025
After heated discussions, the editors managed to put together a Top 10 list of some—certainly not all—of our favorite work published in 2025.
Posted inEconomic Development
Who decides if CT, U.S. are in a recession? Here’s what to know
Only a nonprofit, nonpartisan research group can make the call on whether the United States economy is in a recession or not.
Posted inPhotos
Five years later: When COVID-19 became a global pandemic
March 2020 was a blur. Coronavirus cases led to lockdowns, exacerbating economic disparities. By the end of the month, thousands in CT had died.
Posted inEconomic Development
Support for ‘guaranteed income’ is growing. Is public funding next?
If Connecticut’s various pilot programs can prove the concept, that could drive public funds toward a broader provision of guaranteed income.
Posted inCrossing Connecticut
She didn’t want to be in construction. But then life happened.
Vincencia Adusei grew up in her family’s construction business in Ghana. She had different plans for her life, but it changed overnight.
Posted inEconomic Development
CT’s sugar kelp farmers are navigating their way into new markets
CT’s kelp industry grows the seaweed primarily for food, but farmers say it could have a wide range of applications they’re eager to support.
Posted inNewsletters
On Balance: Learning a trade
Erica E. Phillips writes about workforce training, including an apprenticeship program in Hartford, and overtime pay laws.
Posted inEconomic Development
CT child care ‘incubator’ is building capacity, stability in sector
Other states and towns in CT are looking to replicate New Britain YWCA’s first-of-its-kind model that supports child care entrepreneurs.
Posted inNewsletters
On Balance: Federal policy, local economy
Erica E. Phillips writes about how the federal policy changes during President Donald Trump’s second term could tangibly impact CT.
Posted inJustice
Judge hears arguments in case challenging CT ‘captive audience’ law
Business groups are challenging CT’s ban on ‘captive audience’ meetings, which unions say are used to thwart organizing.
Posted inEconomic Development
Trump tariffs usher in uncertainty for CT businesses
If levies create challenges for CT’s exporters, ‘the wheels of commerce will come to a halt,’ the CT Business and Industry Association says.
Posted inEspañol
El papel de los inmigrantes en la fuerza laboral de Connecticut
La población inmigrante de CT, que aumentó un 18% entre 2013 y 2023, está contribuyendo cada vez más a la fuerza laboral y la economía.
Posted inPolitics
View from a blue state: CT voters wait for presidential election results
As the polls closed Tuesday night, people across CT congregated to watch results of the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump roll in.