Rep. Elizabeth Esty has won reappointment to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee’s research & technology subcommittee, which she says will help her involvement in fostering high-tech job growth in Connecticut.
“Basic scientific research and development has transformed our world and led to breakthroughs throughout our nation’s history,’’ Esty said. “In order to maintain our leading role in our competitive global economy, we must foster an environment that supports American jobs, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthens foundations for sustainable economic growth.’’
Science, Space and Technology has jurisdiction over non-defense federal scientific research and development, including partial or complete oversight of the Department of Energy, EPA, NASA, National Science Foundation, FAA, NOAA and FEMA. The subcommittee oversees federal scientific R&D, plus engineering, tech education and other areas of science policy.
The subcommittee assignment helps Esty stay focused on one of her primary issues in Congress: Fostering STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education, aimed at instilling an interest in science in the K-12 years. Another element is connecting education at community colleges to available tech-sector jobs so companies in need of qualified workers have a ready supply.
As an example, Esty pointed to the Danbury campus of Naugatuck Valley Community College. Its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, opened in 2012, has placed over 90 percent of its graduates _ about 150 _ in manufacturing careers, she said.
Esty helped the college win federal money for partnering with Danbury’s Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury to offer an advanced manufacturing technology program for students of all ages who want to learn modern manufacturing skills. Starting next month, the program is a response to the college’s local manufacturing council, the city of Danbury, the Smaller Manufacturers Association, and the Danbury Chamber of Commerce, she said.
“With strong support for STEM education, robust investments in basic scientific research, and policies that promote entrepreneurship, we can maintain America’s global leadership in innovation and technology,’’ she said.
In her first term in Congress, Esty’s STEM bill was rolled into a larger piece of legislation that passed the Republican-led House in July. Although the measure never made it to President Obama’s desk, Esty said she is set to reintroduce it along with the Science, Space and Technology Committee’s chairman, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas.