For Immediate Release: December 11, 2009
Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-888
Larson: House Approves Funding To Create a New Nursing Program in Litchfield County
Washington, D.C. – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, announces that the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that invests $350,000 to create a new nursing program at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted. This funding is vital to addressing our state’s severe nursing shortage while giving providing local residents with the training they need to take advantage of the job opportunities that will help rebuild our economy. By 2020, Connecticut will have the second worst nursing shortage in the nation, with the largest shortage occurring in Litchfield County where there is currently no degree or diploma nursing program.
“In the next ten years, it is estimated Litchfield County's nursing vacancy rate will be double the statewide average. This new nursing program will help close the nursing gap in Litchfield County and impede the debilitating economic and social toll this nursing shortage would have to the overall region,” said Congressman Larson. “I am proud to support this project and the efforts of President Douglass ,the staff of NCCC, members of the Connecticut General Assembly and the residents of the Northwest Corner for making this nursing program a reality.”
Congressman Larson and his staff met and worked with Northwestern Connecticut Community College’s President Barbara Douglass over the past two years on this initiative. Earlier this year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation signed into law that directs the Board of Trustees of Connecticut’s Community-Technical Colleges to seek federal funds to create the sixth nursing program among the State’s twelve community colleges.
“This program will single-handily reshape the economic and health care landscape in Winsted and in Northwestern Connecticut,” said Larson.
The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 that makes targeted investments in areas that will rebuild our economy and keep our country safe. The legislation also increased funding for infrastructure, health and education to immediately create jobs while investing in our local communities and workforce for the long term.
The legislation will now go on to the Senate for final passage and then the White House for the President’s signature.
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