AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing Workforce: CT State is expanding manufacturing programs at 13 training locations, widening access to skills employers need. State Investment: Connecticut sold $1.44 billion in general-obligation bonds for capital projects and grants, including refinancing expected to save $19.8 million. Drug Pricing: Attorney General William Tong joined 45 states and territories seeking approval of settlements with three generic-drug makers; the wider case is set for trial in Hartford next year. Energy Costs: PURA approved an updated framework for how utilities procure standard-service electricity, a key part of the state’s power-cost debate. Clean Transportation: The CT Green Bank plans up to $2 million in financing tied to electric school buses in Branford.

Equipment & Forestry: Connecticut-headquartered Först is bringing its 6- and 8-inch wood chippers to U.S. rental companies, targeting landscaping, storm cleanup and municipal work. Workforce Development: CT State is expanding manufacturing programs at 13 training locations, while a $34 million Connecticut facility upgrade is set to boost syringe capacity by more than 50%. State Investment: Connecticut completed a $1.44 billion bond sale to fund capital projects and grants and refinance debt, saving $19.8 million over nine years. Health-Care Industry: Attorney General William Tong announced a settlement with Takeda over alleged kickbacks tied to prescriptions of its antidepressant Trintellix; Connecticut’s Medicaid program will receive $213,674. Separately, 45 states and territories are seeking court approval of settlements with three generic drug makers over alleged price-fixing. Utilities: PURA approved an updated framework for how utilities buy electricity for standard service, a decision with implications for Connecticut ratepayers and energy providers. Consumer Protection: Tong secured a settlement with wholesale company RZ Smoke over alleged unlicensed sales of high-potency cannabis products.

Infrastructure: CTDOT is developing pavement repairs for I-84 in Manchester, with design due to finish in March 2027 and construction planned for fall 2027. Manufacturing: A Connecticut medical-device maker’s $34 million upgrade is set to boost syringe capacity by more than 50%. Technology: A state-supported quantum computing hub has opened in New Haven, adding momentum to Connecticut’s effort to build a quantum workforce. Energy: PURA approved an updated framework for purchasing standard-service electricity, a decision with implications for utility procurement and customer bills. Agriculture: CT Grown for CT Kids Week marked its 20th year; the state awarded $100,000 in grants for 21 farm-to-school projects. Business Growth: AdvanceCT offered to help Wilton attract companies and connect local employers with state resources, including support for advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences.

Advanced Manufacturing: Becton Dickinson agreed to invest $19 billion in U.S. operations, including $3 billion to expand manufacturing; the company has Connecticut facilities, though no state-specific spending was announced. A separate $34 million Connecticut medical-device upgrade is set to increase syringe capacity by more than 50%. Aerospace and Defense: Sikorsky’s Stratford-based Black Hawk modernization plans include new engines, a digital backbone and an uncrewed cargo version slated to fly this year, as a separate Army production agreement aims to speed fielding. Quantum Technology: QuantumCT opened its New Haven headquarters, with Southern Connecticut State University helping develop research, commercialization and workforce pathways for the growing industry. Energy and Utilities: PURA approved an updated framework for standard-service electricity procurement, while Connecticut’s solar expansion faces skepticism from a major utility. Drug Pricing: Attorney General William Tong is leading a multistate case over alleged generic-drug price fixing; new settlements total $1.05 million, and the first trial is scheduled for Hartford in February 2027.

Medical Manufacturing: A Connecticut medical-device maker’s $34 million upgrade will expand syringe capacity by more than 50%, strengthening the state’s advanced-manufacturing base. Clean Energy: Connecticut Green Bank plans to raise up to $2 million to help finance Branford’s $22 million electric-school-bus conversion, which will put 46 buses on the road and finish the district’s transition ahead of schedule. Technology: A state-supported quantum computing hub has opened in New Haven, adding momentum to Connecticut’s emerging tech sector. Electricity Markets: PURA approved changes to how utilities procure standard-service power, aiming to add purchasing flexibility and reduce costs while maintaining customer protections. Business Services: Acture Solutions acquired Connecticut-based Digital Back Office, expanding its managed IT, cybersecurity and network services for schools, municipalities and commercial clients.

Electricity Costs: PURA approved changes to Connecticut’s standard-service power buying process, adding flexibility intended to lower costs while keeping customer safeguards. Manufacturing: AI software demonstrated at Arburg’s Rocky Hill event could cut injection-molding scrap by up to 20%, according to its developer. Quantum Technology: A state-supported quantum computing hub has opened in New Haven, adding to Connecticut’s advanced-tech base. Medical Devices: Becton Dickinson says a $34 million investment in its Canaan plant has boosted syringe capacity by more than 50%; the facility employs about 560 people and makes 2.6 billion syringes a year. Submarine Supply Chain: Anduril plans a Maryland plant to build Virginia-class submarine components for General Dynamics Electric Boat and its shipbuilding partner, tying a major new production investment to Connecticut’s defense industry.

Biotechnology: New Haven-based Arvinas presented Phase 1 data for its Parkinson’s drug candidate ARV-102, including changes in eye-movement measures and biomarkers; the study was not designed to assess clinical benefit. Medical Manufacturing: Becton Dickinson pledged $19 billion in U.S. investment, including manufacturing expansion. Its Canaan plant is among the company’s domestic sites. Clean Energy: Connecticut’s FuelCell Energy will supply natural-gas fuel cells for a proposed Pennsylvania data center, extending the company’s reach in on-site power. Small Business: Norwalk’s East Coast Kombucha won the city’s top innovation grant. Its production facility occupies a former textile factory, and its products are sold in more than 500 stores across 10 states. Defense Supply Chain: A planned Maryland submarine-components plant could eventually send hull sections to General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton. Business Costs: Connecticut’s minimum wage is set to rise from $16.94 to $17.48 an hour on Jan. 1, 2027, raising labor costs for employers.

Defense Manufacturing: Trump highlighted a $6.6 billion push to expand Virginia-class nuclear submarine component production at Tradepoint Atlantic in Maryland, with Anduril investing $3.7 billion and the Navy contract up to $2.9 billion—initial work includes torpedo tubes, with later phases tied to Groton and Newport News. Energy Costs & Policy: Connecticut’s Sen. Richard Blumenthal urged an extra $3 billion for LIHEAP as heating oil prices jump, while Massachusetts pressed for faster review of a natural gas pipeline expansion that would also involve a Connecticut compressor upgrade. Data & Pricing Rules: Seattle became the first city to ban large grocery chains and delivery services from using personal data and AI to set individualized prices; the move follows similar surveillance-pricing scrutiny in the region. Connecticut Business & Jobs: Central Connecticut State University’s Career Closet got another clothing donation from CT DOT and COMTO to help students with interviews. Healthcare Compliance: New Connecticut laws starting Oct. 1 expand protections for healthcare workers and add requirements for hospitals and home health agencies. Higher Ed: UVM announced regional tuition cuts for eligible students from several New England states starting fall 2027. Legal/Antitrust: A Connecticut case tied to RealPage rent pricing continues after a court sided with AG Tong, while a Supreme Court climate damages case tees up a major fight over state authority.

Fuel & Data Center Expansion: Fit Energy won zoning approval to repurpose former mined land in Newport Township, Pa., for natural-gas fuel cell power plus a technology and data center project, using Connecticut-based FuelCell Energy hardware. Medical Manufacturing Deal: Becton Dickinson pledged $19 billion to expand U.S. manufacturing of essential medical consumables, tying commitments to relief from future tariffs. Construction Workforce: Power Home Remodeling earned the #2 spot on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Construction list for the fourth straight year. Transit Procurement: MCI will deliver 92 commuter coaches to New York City Transit, adding to its 2026 backlog. EV Charging Equity: UConn researchers argue the EV rollout’s biggest gap is charging access, not range, with equity shaped by flood risk, pollution, income, and transportation burden. Connecticut Policy & Infrastructure: CTDOT is planning Route 2 pavement preservation in Colchester and Marlborough (spring 2027) and a virtual meeting on Route 2 bridge replacements in Glastonbury (construction targeted for spring 2029). Consumer Safety: Walmart and Trader Joe’s expanded a frozen berry recall tied to potential E. coli contamination. Healthcare Coverage: Gov. Lamont and officials pushed back on new federal HUSKY D work/community engagement rules starting Jan. 1 that could affect about 108,000 residents.

Transportation Infrastructure: CTDOT will hold a virtual public information meeting Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. on replacing Glastonbury’s Rt. 2 bridges over Quarry Road (about $21M; spring 2029 target; 80% federal/20% state) and is also planning 2027 pavement preservation on Rt. 2 in Colchester and Marlborough. Local Trails & Outdoor Economy: New Britain won a $366,240 state grant to plan and design the next phase of the Stanley Loop Trail, part of a broader multi-use trail network. Energy & Climate Accountability: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Boulder County can force oil companies to pay for climate-related damages under state law, a case that could ripple across similar lawsuits. Medicaid & Health Care Costs: Gov. Lamont and officials highlighted Connecticut’s response to upcoming HUSKY D work/community engagement requirements starting Jan. 1, with state funding to soften federal cuts. Food Safety: Frozen berry recalls tied to possible E. coli contamination expanded again, including Walmart and Trader Joe’s products. Public Safety & Labor: Bridgeport residents rallied behind Police Chief Roderick Porter amid an ongoing union dispute. Housing Affordability: Pew Research links high Connecticut housing costs to elevated poverty and child poverty rates. Rural Housing Finance: Sen. Tammy Baldwin says a Trump administration cut rural direct home-loan funding despite a $1B congressional appropriation. Business & Consumer Tech: Amazon paused Prime Air drone delivery plans for North Haven after extended public review and meetings.

Food Safety: A nationwide recall of frozen berries expanded to include additional Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in multiple states, including Connecticut, due to possible E. coli contamination; shoppers are urged not to eat affected items and to return for refunds. Energy & Housing: Connecticut is moving ahead with a $1.475B general obligation bond refunding plan, aiming for at least 3% savings as rates fluctuate. Local Economy & Real Estate: Electric Boat’s expansion is intensifying housing pressure in southeastern Connecticut, with Groton pushing data-driven planning and a regional “missing middle” study underway. Consumer & Health Policy: Connecticut veterans can now apply for free monthly bus passes to reach appointments and work, with ID verification required. Business & Regulation: A federal judge refused to dismiss antitrust claims against RealPage and landlords over alleged rent-setting collusion using confidential pricing data, keeping the fight alive. Environment & Community: A Connecticut family turned spotted lanternfly control into a competitive “game” app that’s drawing thousands of kills from across the region. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court returns Monday with major cases on guns, religious freedom, immigration detention, and limits on government power.

Energy Costs in Focus: Heating oil prices are projected to jump about 50% this winter, adding nearly $900 to the average household bill, with Connecticut Energy Marketers Association president Chris Herb warning of “sticker shock” as wars disrupt global supply. Housing & Competition: A federal judge let a rent-fixing case against RealPage and landlords move forward, rejecting efforts to dismiss antitrust claims tied to use of confidential pricing data. Legal/Policy Watch: The Supreme Court is set to hear major climate and guns disputes, including whether oil companies can be forced to pay for climate damage. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall over possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in Connecticut. CT Business & Labor: Connecticut employers filed 426 H-1B petitions in Educational Services in 2025, with a 97.9% approval rate, led by Yale University. Transportation & Costs: The U.S. rolls back Biden-era fuel economy targets, a move that could raise lifetime gas costs and push more Connecticut car buyers into higher “luxury” sales-tax treatment. Sustainability Win: Lyme’s Sustainable CT bronze certification was extended for three years, highlighting composting, invasive species work, and school-based waste reduction.

Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to E. coli, adding Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blend plus Trader Joe’s organic mixed berry blend, with Connecticut among the affected states—check freezers and best-buy dates. Public Health & Youth Online Safety: A Connecticut mom whose daughter died by suicide urged Congress for stronger, broad kids online safety rules as Connecticut AG William Tong’s multistate Meta settlement rolls out youth-focused funding. Defense & Manufacturing: Sikorsky and the U.S. Army signed a flexible production agreement for Black Hawk helicopters, aiming to accelerate U.S. and allied fielding while sustaining a large supplier base. Energy & Climate Litigation: The Supreme Court is set to hear whether oil companies can be forced to pay for climate damage, a case that could reshape similar state and local lawsuits. Local Construction: New Britain broke ground on a $145M Smith Elementary overhaul, including a new 22-classroom Pre-K center and upgrades to classrooms, security, and traffic patterns. Transportation & Cost of Living: DOT is rolling back fuel-economy targets, and Connecticut buyers may face higher gas costs and “luxury car” sales tax impacts. Business & Retail: Kings Food Markets plans to close two New Jersey stores and cut 122 jobs, underscoring ongoing grocery pressure. Connecticut Communities: A Canaan vs. North Canaan name mix-up is causing real problems for land, vital records, and mail. Aviation/Tech: Officials were surprised by Amazon’s Connecticut drone delivery plan.

Public Health & Food Safety: A Chilean supplier expanded its recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people and hospitalized six, adding more Great Value and Trader Joe’s lots for shoppers in Connecticut and across 30 states. Education & Construction: New Britain broke ground on a $145M Smith Elementary overhaul, including a new 22-classroom Pre-K center, aiming to modernize classrooms, security, energy systems, and traffic patterns. Defense & Manufacturing: Sikorsky and the U.S. Army signed a flexible production agreement for 16 Black Hawk helicopters now, with plans to add 100+ more later, sustaining a large multi-state supplier base. Retail & Jobs: Kings Food Markets will close two New Jersey stores, cutting 122 jobs, as the Acme-owned chain reduces its footprint. Consumer Protection: Lawmakers are pressing for action over convenience-store pricing practices at 7-Eleven and Circle K, calling for clearer shelf-to-register price transparency. Healthcare Policy: New data shows ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% for 2026 while premiums rose 19.7%, reshaping how Connecticut-area shoppers choose coverage.

Defense & Aviation: Sikorsky and the U.S. Army signed a flexible production agreement for 16 Black Hawk helicopters now, with plans to add 100+ more as needs emerge—aimed at keeping the U.S. and allied fleet supplied through the long term. Energy & Infrastructure: Gov. Healey urged federal regulators to speed up a natural gas pipeline capacity expansion that would move more fuel through the Algonquin system feeding Connecticut and New England. Consumer & Retail: Lawmakers are pushing the FTC after a Guardian investigation says convenience chains (including 7-Eleven and Circle K) sometimes charge more at the register or pump than advertised on shelves or fuel signs. Food Safety: A Chilean frozen-berry recall was expanded after an E. coli link, pulling in additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s lots shipped to Connecticut and many other states. Connecticut Projects: CTDOT will hold a virtual public meeting Nov. 3 on replacing a Route 49 bridge over the Pachaug River, with construction targeted for 2029. Local Economy & Real Estate: Goodfellas moved from Anson to a larger Madison storefront in the former Taylor’s Drug Store, boosting visibility and foot traffic. Manufacturing & Jobs: A survey says CT manufacturers are seeing rising costs and tariff worries even as they remain profitable. Environment & Outdoors: DEEP announced fall hunting season opening dates, plus training for junior pheasant hunters.

Recreational Trails Funding: Connecticut is rolling out $10.5 million for 50 trail projects, including $52,550 for Aspetuck Land Trust’s regional trail map and access push, plus Sen. Honig’s $1.06 million package for Avon, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington, Sen. Needleman’s $187,105 for ADA and senior/disabled trail improvements, Sen. Marx’s $585,000 for East Lyme, Montville and New London, and Sen. Rahman’s $315,948 for Glastonbury and Manchester. Healthcare Partnership: South County Health in Rhode Island is joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network, keeping local control while expanding clinical reach. Energy & Costs: Connecticut governor candidates debate a “gas tax holiday,” with experts warning any relief would be short-lived. Rail Planning: Connecticut residents and officials weigh in on Shore Line East expansion ideas, while Massachusetts prepares a virtual info session on west-east rail service development. AI Accountability: Senators push for tougher rules on AI agents that can hack systems, including a bill backed by Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Chris Murphy. Business & Growth: Corbin Advisors won a Hartford Business Journal excellence award for women-owned business leadership. Construction & Housing: Greenwich breaks ground on Benedict Court, a 120-unit multifamily project with 40% below-market units.