The Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee Public Hearing followed by a Committee Meeting [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with the public hearing of the executive and legislative nominations committee. The first agenda item was the nomination of Delwin Cummings from Meriden to the Board of Regents for Higher Education. Mr. Cummings participated via Zoom, expressing his gratitude for the nomination by Governor Ned Lamont. He shared his background, including 27 years as a professor at Naugatuck Valley Community College and experience in the private sector, emphasizing the need for collaboration between higher education and industry. Committee members inquired about Mr. Cummings' experience on the Board of Regents, noting his attendance at several meetings since his provisional appointment. He acknowledged the need to rebuild relationships within the board and discussed bridging the cultural gap between academia and the private sector. He also addressed the involvement of student members on the Board, encouraging their participation in meetings. The conversation shifted to challenges in transferring credits between community colleges and the Connecticut State University system, with Mr. Cummings noting historical difficulties but recognizing improvements since consolidation. He emphasized the need for higher education to adapt to job market demands, particularly post-COVID-19, and the importance of providing students with real-world experiences. Committee members expressed support for Mr. Cummings, praising his vision for fostering connections between higher education and the private sector. The meeting then moved to the nomination of Janice German from New Britain for the state education arbitration panel. Ms. German, with over 25 years of experience, discussed her qualifications and the importance of fair hearings. She addressed common arbitration issues, including financial concerns and the impact of state budgets on education. Senator Looney and Representative Iaccarino asked about the effectiveness of negotiation systems and the selection process for arbitrators, with Ms. German clarifying her lack of influence over panel member selection. The discussion also highlighted challenges faced by educators, including compensation disparities and budget constraints. Next, Alex Harris was nominated to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Mr. Harris outlined his commitment to human rights and discussed the increase in complaints received by CHRO, emphasizing the need for resources to handle these cases. He highlighted outreach efforts and educational initiatives, such as the Kids Court Academy. The meeting continued with the nomination of Donald Williams to the Board of Regents for Higher Education. Mr. Williams emphasized the importance of access to education, addressing issues like housing and food insecurity, and the need for partnerships with businesses to enhance internship opportunities. He discussed the role of technology, including AI, in education and the importance of preparing students for future job markets. The committee also addressed the challenges of transferring credits within the state university system and the importance of STEM education for workforce development. The meeting concluded with a focus on collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector to create effective pathways for student success. The committee confirmed the nominations of Delwyn Cummings, Janice German, Alex Harris, and Donald Williams unanimously. The next meeting was scheduled for March 3rd at 11 o'clock, after which the committee went into recess until 3 p.m.