Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that federal stimulus funds have created more than 6,000 jobs in Connecticut to date and preserved thousands more. The numbers were released after the submission of the first American Recovery and Reinvestment Act quarterly reports by state agency officials to the governor’s budget office.  See the power point presentation here: http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/lib/governorrell/connecticut_recovery_act_overview_october_28.ppt .

“The proof is in the numbers and they tell a positive story for Connecticut workers in terms of creating and preserving jobs,” Governor Rell said.  “From paving our roadways and upgrading bridges to retaining teaching jobs and weatherizing homes, we are using stimulus funds to put people to work while addressing pressing state needs.”

More than 750,000 state residents have benefited from federal Recovery Act programs.  The direct impact on state residents is as follows:

·        552,000 K-12 students

·        5,200 educators

·        4,100 summer jobs for teens

·        125,000 recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits

·        60,000 receiving unemployment benefits

·        2,600 people working on transportation projects

·        1,300 people receiving job training

“Our goal from the start has been to get this stimulus money back into the economy as soon as possible and put people back to work,” Governor Rell said. “We are linking employers and training opportunities.  We are getting people without jobs back on their feet, and we will continue to do so.” 

The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.  The state’s Web site – www.recovery.ct.gov – includes sections on:

• Explanation of the federal law
• Accountability of stimulus dollars
• Lists of “shovel-ready” projects and deadlines
• Latest news on the stimulus in Connecticut
• Geographic distribution of funds
• Applications for stimulus funds
• Frequently asked questions