Searching for the
Common Good, 1929-1964
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The Challenge of the Great Depression

Local governments went bankrupt trying to provide relief to jobless families and protests across the state grew increasingly militant. Picture 1

Organized labor grew enormously in strength and influence in the 1930's and helped mobilize legislative support for the minimum wage, worker's compensation and unemployment insurance. Picture 2, 3

The lure of wartime jobs brought over 18,000 African-Americans to Connecticut. In 1947, the legislature outlawed hiring discrimination, but fairness in education and housing remained elusive. African-Americans settled almost exclusively in the cities, while government subsidies enabled newly-returned white G.I.'s to migrate to the suburbs by the thousands. Picture 4

The Rise of the Suburbs

Limited-access highways, such as the Connecticut Turnpike and the Wilbur Cross Parkway,helped propel the suburbanization that was transforming the state. Picture 6

The legislature provided significant school construction funding to keep up with the post-war "baby boom." The legislature also assisted with school operating expenses. Distribution formulas decidedly favored suburban towns. Picture 5

Governor Grasso's two terms saw the legislature pass improved utilities regulations, mass transit initiatives and a tightened administration of state agencies. Her status as Connecticut's first woman governor underscored the growing power and political leverage of women. Picture 7