Earlier today, Governor Ned Lamont released his proposed revisions to the state budget for fiscal year 2027 (2026-27 school year). While the governor's proposal largely maintains the budget passed by the General Assembly last June, several education funding policies are of note for communities across the state.
The proposed revisions flat fund the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant for all but 16 towns at a time when education costs are rising. Additionally, the governor's proposal eliminates an additional $12 million for RESC-operated magnet schools and instead allows RESC operators to increase the amount of tuition they charge local school districts.
Lisa Hammersley, Executive Director of the School and State Finance Project, issued the following statement in response to the governor's proposed revisions.
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When it comes to K–12 education, the governor’s proposed budget sadly falls short of what is needed at this critical moment. While we appreciate the governor’s recognition in his speech today that “Connecticut has one of the best school systems in the country, but that is not true of all of our schools,” his budget proposal unfortunately does not meaningfully address that reality.
Instead of recognizing rising costs, it flat funds the ECS grant for 95% of districts, including those with the highest needs. Instead of increasing affordability for families, it shifts the costs of education further onto the backs of local property taxpayers. Instead of supporting students, it risks cuts to teachers, support staff, and essential programs and services. And instead of advancing equitable funding for all public schools, it cuts magnet school funding and asks local districts to fill the gap.
At a time when students’ academic and mental health needs are increasing and families are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet, the governor’s budget proposal is a step backward. We urge legislators to reject the governor’s proposal and pass a revised budget that equitably and adequately funds all schools and communities, alleviates pressure on local taxpayers, and helps ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
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