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Education Funding Bill Moves Closer to Passage
A bill aimed at increasing education funding and narrowing the gap between wealthy districts and poorer ones has advanced out of the legislature’s Education Committee in Connecticut. House Bill 5003, which would fully fund the state’s Education Cost Sharing program by 2025 and cover additional costs for high-need students at magnet and charter schools and within the state’s Open Choice initiative, received support from dozens of Democratic lawmakers. If passed, the proposal would provide nearly $300 million in additional education funding for 157 Connecticut towns and cities.
Buy-In From Governor Still Needed
Before becoming law, the bill must pass through the broader legislature and receive buy-in from Gov. Ned Lamont. At the start of the legislative session, key Democratic lawmakers predicted education funding could be a “sticking point” between the governor and the legislature in budget negotiations this spring. Lamont did not include the additional funding in his budget proposal last month and instead suggested schools should fill gaps using federal funding they received as part of COVID-19 relief packages.
Additional Proposals Aimed at Facilitating Charter Schools and Workforce Development
In addition to the funding bill, the Education Committee voted to advance proposals aimed at facilitating the creation of charter schools, promoting workforce development, increasing transparency in school funding, limiting the restraint and seclusion of special education students and more. The charter school proposal has drawn support from school choice advocates but opposition from teachers unions and many public school educators who argue it would undermine traditional public education.
