Financial services has for several years been one of the fastest growing segments of the Connecticut economy.

In past recessions, some elements of the Connecticut economy have been relatively immune from hard times.

But economists say none of those things can drive the Connecticut economy.

With the Connecticut economy still struggling to bounce back from the recession, state officials were eager to respond.

A major factor is the unprecedented strength of the Connecticut economy.

According to the department's latest figures, exports contributed $3.8 billion to the Connecticut economy in 1989, a 17 percent increase from the previous year.

In addition, he said, retail sales are rising quicker than expected because the Connecticut economy is strong.

But as the 1980's ended, so did the rapid economic expansion of the Connecticut economy.

A healthy Connecticut economy, combined with demands from parents and teachers for increased arts instruction, is helping to do just that.

Q. How important is space to the Connecticut economy over all?