Last year, the General Assembly passed a budget allocating $150 million to K-12 education, hailed as one of the largest investments in the state's history.
Hundreds of individuals filled Room 2D at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on Thursday, creating a standing-room-only atmosphere. The occasion was a press conference led by Rep. Jeff Currey, D-East Hartford, co-chair of the General Assembly’s Education Committee, addressing Governor Ned Lamont’s proposal to redirect over $39 million in funding from charter, magnet, and technical schools towards a five-year childcare restructuring plan.
Last year, the General Assembly passed a budget allocating $150 million to K-12 education, hailed as one of the largest investments in the state's history. Rep. Currey, instrumental in securing these commitments, emphasized the need to maintain these funds while supporting early childhood initiatives.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker criticized the proposal, advocating for increased educational spending rather than cuts. Legislators, joined by students, advocates, and faith leaders, expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed cuts on various educational programs, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez of Hartford Public Schools highlighted the potential $11 million loss for her district, warning against burdening marginalized communities with additional financial strains. Despite Governor Lamont's defence of the proposal, child-care advocates like Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman emphasized solidarity between early childcare and K-12 education.
Rep. Michelle Cook stressed the interconnectedness of early childhood and K-12 education, rejecting the notion of pitting them against each other. Kate Dias of the Connecticut Education Association highlighted the pivotal role of educators and urged a re-evaluation of education funding.
Leonard Lockhart of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education voiced concerns about the state's education system's financial stability, urging the government to fulfil its promises.
GOP legislators, including Sen. Eric Berthel and Rep. Kathleen McCarty, joined their Democratic counterparts in critiquing Lamont’s proposals.
Sen. Douglas McCrory underscored the importance of supporting magnet, charter, and technical programs statewide, asserting the state's responsibility to ensure accessible public education.
As the General Assembly continues its session until May 8, McCrory thanked attendees for their advocacy, urging them to persist in their efforts for the sake of Connecticut's children and families.