We asked people around CT which issues resonate most this election season. Their answers offer a kaleidoscopic look at our state.
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 inEconomic Development
Immigrants make up growing share of CT labor force
CT’s immigrant population — which rose by 18% between 2013 and 2023 — is making increasing contributions to the labor force and economy.
Posted inEducation
CT works to expand higher ed programs in prisons
With incarcerated people now broadly eligible for financial aid through Pell Grants, CT officials are working on expanding education access.
Posted inNewsletters
On Balance: Electing America’s CEO
Erica E. Phillips writes about the upcoming U.S. presidential election and developing environmental infrastructure in Connecticut.
Posted inEconomic Development
Are CT’s cannabis advertising rules too strict? Yes, businesses say
Cannabis businesses want CT to relax its rules on advertising and the limits placed on the kind of creative branding seen in other states.
Posted inNewsletters
On Balance: Pandemic startups are hanging on
Erica E. Phillips writes about the thousands of Connecticut small businesses that opened during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inEconomic Development
On manufacturing, Lamont pivots to productivity over jobs
As of August, the state’s manufacturing sector employed 157,800 people, down from roughly three times that a half century ago.
Posted inGovernment
For CT residents, businesses, help after August floods is available
CT and federal agencies are distributing financial assistance for everything from home and business repairs to cash for emergency needs.
Posted inEconomic Development
CT companies put AI to work, but regulation remains uncertain
With CT companies in nearly every industry deploying AI across an array of applications, lawmakers are scrambling to ensure its safety.
Posted inNewsletters
On Balance: Free transit
Erica E. Phillips writes about the economic implications of ‘active transportation,’ like commuting on foot or by bicycle, in CT.
Posted inTransportation
For CT city residents, bicycles are a necessity. The state is on board
CT officials, recognizing the need for city streets and state roads to be safe and accessible for bicyclists, have begun shifting gears.
Posted inEconomic Development
Murphy seeks support for L.I. Sound conservation, ‘blue economy’
Sen. Chris Murphy has laid out a plan with nearly two dozen proposals for new or expanded federal investment in CT’s coastal assets.
Posted inEconomic Development
Foundation makes rare ‘impact investment’ in local project
Foundations are exploring “impact investing,” where funds are invested in entities that align with the causes the foundation supports.
Posted inNewsletters
On Balance: A ‘capital’ idea…
Erica E. Phillips writes about Gov. Ned Lamont’s new CT highway signs touting the state as the ‘capital’ of basketball, pizza and more.
Posted inEconomic Development
CBIA taps teachers, child advocates to set CT economy ‘roadmap’
Enlisting the education community in creating a business-friendly roadmap could address a perennial issue for CT businesses: finding workers.
