Jackson Labs to get credit for state-funded jobs

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Maine bio-science company that has a deal to create 300 jobs in Connecticut in exchange for almost $300 million in state aid will receive credit for 10 positions being funded by the University of Connecticut.

Andrew Doba, a spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, said Wednesday those faculty positions reflect collaboration that the governor wants to promote between state researchers and Jackson Laboratories, which is planning a $1.1 billion facility in Farmington.

Republican State Sen. Len Suzio of Meriden, a critic of the deal, said giving the company money to create jobs and then having taxpayers fund some of those positions makes no sense.

He is calling on Malloy to amend the deal and require Jackson Labs to pay for any jobs at the facility.