On May 7, 2024, the General Assembly passed H.B. 5523, a budget stabilization bill that appropriates funds for fiscal year 2025 and makes a number of different policy changes to K-12 education and other areas. Along with maintaining the $150 million in additional funding for K-12 education in FY 2025 that was allotted as part of the state budget passed last year, the bill overhauls how Connecticut distributes state education funding to school districts.
Open Choice is a program in which Connecticut students can attend schools in local public school districts outside the community in which they reside. This fact sheet covers the basics of the Open Choice program, including its objectives, how it operates, who can participate, and how it is funded.
This policy briefing provides a quick overview of Connecticut's biennial (two-year) budget process from the governor's initial proposed budget to a final product passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.
The State of Connecticut is facing structural headwinds that threaten the ability for its residents, taxpayers, and businesses to thrive. One of these structural challenges is Connecticut’s land use regulations, which have restricted housing supply, increased housing prices, and limited economic growth. This report describes how including the dimension of economic impact and growth in the analysis of land use regulations and development processes can address this structural challenge.
This frequently asked questions document by the School and State Finance Project provides information about Connecticut's 17 regional school districts, which educate a combined enrollment of more than 24,00 students. Regional school districts in Connecticut are public school districts created by two or more municipalities to educate their student populations jointly. This FAQ document answers questions about the creation, administration, and funding of Connecticut's regional school districts.
Connecticut's public school districts remain deeply segregated and significant funding gaps continue to exist between districts that predominantly serve students of color and districts that largely serve White student populations. These are two of the overarching findings from this School and State Finance Project report, which examines racial disparities in Connecticut education funding.