Two members of the state's Congressional delegation have testified on the future of manufacturing during a hearing in Washington yesterday.  It was the first in a series of hearings held by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer has been held about the future of manufacturing, and two members of the state's Congressional delegation provided testimony. 

4th District Congressman Jim Himes said the path forward is clear.

Himes says the technological advances can't be undone, so this country has to help workers by providing education and skills necessary to compete in a global marketplace.  Himes gave the example of Housatonic Community College, which he says is preparing students for the 21st century with a course called Advance Manufacturing.  The students are training for jobs that he says are non-exportable.

5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty talked about the successes and challenges facing northwest Connecticut, how the economy has and hasn’t changed, and what families and businesses need in 2015 to Make it in America.  She comes from a third generation manufacturing family.  She says an educated workforce is the key to a successful future.

Esty says Connecticut is home to more than 5,000 manufacturers, many of them small business, supplying goods for the nation's infrastructure, aerospace and defense industry.