State looks to lend a hand

The state is putting money into Connecticut's Insurance and Financial Services Center for Education Excellence to help companies affected by the economic downturn. The center will help the companies assess the capacity of their work force. It will also provide training to help companies meet new business requirements.

The center was established in 2006.

Don't worry -- Connecticut is not dipping into the state budget to make this work. It is using $250,000 from a federal grant.

"The upheaval on Wall Street has taken a difficult toll on some of our largest employers including banks and insurance companies – and far too many workers and their families have felt the pain," said Gov. Rell in a prepared statement that just arrived in my inbox. "Connecticut is especially susceptible to the ups and downs of the market because so many of our residents work on Wall Street or work for companies with important Wall Street connections."

The additional services are a nice gesture, but will it make a difference?

Additional note: If you are looking for more information on the center or on how companies can participate, call (203) 610-8528.