Month: June 2025

West Hartford State Delegation: New Budget Expected to Deliver Additional $7M to Town

Posted on by Devin James

West Hartford State Delegation: New Budget Expected to Deliver Additional $7M to Town

In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, the West Hartford Delegation, State Senator Derek Slap and State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest, Tammy Exum, Kate Farrar, James Sánchez and Bobby Gibson, gave final approval to a budget that provides an additional nearly $4 million in municipal aid for West Hartford, and could provide $3 million more in special education reimbursements.

“West Hartford has some of the greatest schools and services in Connecticut, and the new state budget will help ensure that they can be maintained without breaking the bank,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “We regularly hear from residents that they love living in West Hartford, but they’re concerned about affordability. We get it. West Hartford is now set to receive one of the largest increases to special education funding among all the municipalities in the state. The additional investments help students, educators, and of course taxpayers.”

West Hartford Aid – By the Numbers:
The state budget provides an additional total increase of $3,723,174 in state funding for West Hartford over the next two years, including an additional $314,782 in each FY 26 and FY 27 for the newly developed Estimated Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) Grant.

The town will receive:

-$25,567,128 in Education Cost Sharing (ECS), a 1.92% increase from the previous budget

-$6,691,291 each year in motor vehicle reimbursement rates, an increase of 13.91%. In 2022 legislators passed a cap on the amount that a municipality can levy a motor vehicle tax, and the state provides a reimbursement for a portion of that lost revenue.

-$921,373 in each year for Town Aid Road (TAR), a 33.33% increase from the previous budget

-$805,784 in Municipal Grants-in-Aid, no change from the previous budget

-$677,699 in Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP), no change from the previous budget

-An additional $400,000 each year from the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant

-$155,785 in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in each year of the budget

-$27,820 in each year from the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant, no change from the previous budget

Earlier this session, the West Hartford delegation worked with their colleagues and the Governor to secure an immediate, additional $40 million allocation for special education reimbursement costs for municipalities for the current fiscal year.

At the end of each school year, municipalities can request a reimbursement from the state to cover the additional, unpredictable special education costs incurred throughout the year. Of the additional $40 million allocated for the current fiscal year, West Hartford was approved for over $1.5 million in excess cost reimbursement.

This budget allocates an additional $40 million in FY 26 and FY 27 for special education reimbursement costs. Considering West Hartford’s significant special education programming and based upon estimates from previous allocations, local taxpayers could expect another $3 million in relief.

“I want to thank our delegation for their hard work and advocacy throughout the budget process.  The aid provided to West Hartford will serve our residents well, supporting vital services and helping us invest in the future of our community,” said Mayor Shari Cantor. “I am especially grateful for the state’s commitment to special education funding.  These resources will go a long way in supporting our students, families, and teachers, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

“We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor Cantor, the entire town council, and the board of education,” said the West Hartford delegation. “Their partnership is critical as we coordinate priorities and deliver much-deserved resources to our special town.”

Investing in Connecticut’s Future
The budget also invests in early childhood education, targeted tax relief and more while remaining under the spending cap and projects state surpluses.

-A $250 tax refund for lower-income working families Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households

-Up to $300 million into a newly created fund for birth to five early childhood education to  create additional slots, cap costs for families and pay educators more

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

-Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: Budget Delivers Additional $1.4M for Trumbull and Monroe

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: Budget Delivers Additional $1.4M for Trumbull and Monroe

HARTFORD – In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox voted to pass a budget that delivers an additional $1.44 million for town aid and special education grants to Trumbull and Monroe.

-Trumbull will receive an additional $749,484 in town aid over the next two years, plus an additional $75,696 in SEED grants.

-Monroe will receive an additional $537,093 in town aid over the next two years, plus an additional $81,490 in SEED grants.

Earlier this session, as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox led passage of an immediate, additional $40 million allocation for special education reimbursement costs for municipalities for the current fiscal year.

At the end of each school year, municipalities can request a reimbursement from the state to cover the additional, unpredictable special education costs incurred throughout the year.

This budget allocates an additional $40 million in FY 26 and FY 27 for special education reimbursement costs, providing additional relief for local property taxpayers each year.

“This session as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, we spent hours listening to the stories of students, parents, teachers, administrators, town leaders and advocates and the resounding takeaway was that they needed more funding for services,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “This is my first budget vote and I am so proud that it includes a historic increase for special education funding that I helped deliver, establishes a transformative early childhood education program, puts more money in the pockets of working families and more.”

Investing in Connecticut’s Future
The budget also invests in early childhood education, targeted tax relief and more while remaining under the spending cap and projects state surpluses.

-A $250 tax refund for lower-income working families Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households

-$200 million into a newly created fund for birth to 5 early childcare education, creating additional slots and capping costs for families

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: State Budget Delivers Additional $42M for Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: State Budget Delivers Additional $42M for Bridgeport

HARTFORD – In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox voted for a budget that delivers an additional $42.2 million for town aid and special education grants to Bridgeport.

-Bridgeport will receive an additional $37 million in town aid over the next two years, which includes $11 million each year in increased Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funds.

-Additionally, Bridgeport will receive $5.2 million in the newly developed Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) grants.

Earlier this session, as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox led passage of an immediate, additional $40 million allocation for special education reimbursement costs for municipalities for the current fiscal year.

At the end of each school year, municipalities can request a reimbursement from the state to cover the additional, unpredictable special education costs incurred throughout the year.

This budget allocates an additional $40 million in FY 26 and FY 27 for special education reimbursement costs, providing additional relief for local property taxpayers each year.

“This session as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, we spent hours listening to the stories of students, parents, teachers, administrators, town leaders and advocates and the resounding takeaway was that they needed more funding for services,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “Today I take my first vote on a state budget and I am so proud that it includes a historic increase for special education funding that I helped deliver. This budget strengthens the partnership between the state and municipalities and I am thrilled to have helped to craft this critical investment that supports our students, parents, teachers and provides relief to local taxpayers.”

Investing in Connecticut’s Future
The budget also invests in early childhood education, targeted tax relief and more while remaining under the spending cap and projects state surpluses.

-A $250 tax refund for lower-income working families Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households

-$200 million into a newly created fund for birth to 5 early childcare education, creating additional slots and capping costs for families

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Even MTG Agrees: Senator Maroney’s Push for AI Regulation Gains Unlikely Support

Posted on by Devin James

Even MTG Agrees: Senator Maroney’s Push for AI Regulation Gains Unlikely Support

In a development that underscores growing bipartisan concern, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), an opponent of most government regulation, has voiced concern about the unregulated growth of Artificial Intelligence. In a recent tweet from MTG, she emphasized her outrage over a GOP-backed federal budget bill that stripped AI oversight powers.

State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, led Connecticut’s efforts this year to regulate artificial intelligence. Senate bill 2, ‘An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,’ passed the Senate but did not make it on the House floor.

“When even Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is raising red flags about federal government overreach on preventing states from legislating on AI, it should be a wake-up call to every lawmaker,” said Sen. Maroney. “Connecticut had a real opportunity this session to lead on this issue. We passed a strong framework in the Senate, but for a second year in a row, we were unable to get the bill across the finish line.”

Senator Maroney’s bill, one of the most comprehensive in the country, would have established transparency requirements for AI systems used in government, created an AI task force to oversee ethical use, and laid the groundwork for protecting residents from potential harm caused by unregulated AI applications.

Recently, Senator Maroney signed onto a letter addressed to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate, alongside several other lawmakers, expressing s strong opposition to the provision in Subtitle C, Part 2 of the tax and budget reconciliation bill, which would undermine ongoing work in the states to address the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). The letter urges Congress to preserve states’ ability to craft responsible AI policies that protect residents and promote ethical innovation.

SENATOR OSTEN VOTES TO SUPPORT FARMERS WITH TAX RELIEF, GRANT PROGRAM

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR OSTEN VOTES TO SUPPORT FARMERS WITH TAX RELIEF, GRANT PROGRAM

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today voted to support the many farmers she represents in the 19th State Senate District in Eastern Connecticut by endorsing  legislation that creates stronger tax incentives and expanded tax exemptions for farmers.

Senate Bill 1497, “An Act Concerning Programming At The Department Of Agriculture,” passed the Senate on a bipartisan 35-1 voted and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Eastern Connecticut is home to a wide variety of farms, both small and large, but there’s not as many as there used to be. We need to support out farmers in every way we can to stay in business and pass that business on, and this bill helps to reduce some of the costs associated with farming, such as taxes on the machinery and buildings that they need to operate,” said Sen. Osten.

SB 1497 takes the following steps to support farming in Connecticut:

-It provides a 20% income tax credit for farmers investing in machinery, buildings or equipment, supporting farmers who are struggling with costs and inflation

-It increases the local property tax exemption on farm machinery to $250,000, an increase from $100,000, with another $250,000 in savings if municipalities opt in; municipalities can also exempt up to $500,000 of farm buildings supporting barns, greenhouses and storage facilities

-It creates a new state-backed crop loss reimbursement grant program will help support farmers who face crop losses after extreme weather events, following increased flooding seen in recent years

-Farms engaged in agritourism, like pick-your-own fruit or seasonal festivals, will receive civil liability protection

-Drones can be used for precision application of fertilizers and pesticides

SENATOR CABRERA VOTES FOR A STATE BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN FAMILIES, EDUCATION AND OUR TOWNS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR CABRERA VOTES FOR A STATE BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN FAMILIES, EDUCATION AND OUR TOWNS

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) joined his Senate Democratic  colleagues this evening in voting to approve the 2026-27 biennial, no-tax increase state budget that invests in Connecticut’s children, families and towns.

The budget passed 25-11 on a purely partisan vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

“Once again, the people of Connecticut are the winners with this responsible, balanced Democratic state budget that doesn’t raise taxes, stays under the constitutional spending cap, and invests in people, education, and our cities and towns,” said Sen. Cabrera. “I’m pleased to have secured millions of more dollars in state aid for the cities and towns in my district. All of that adds up to better services and a better quality of life in the region.”

In the budget, Sen. Cabrera secured a total of $305.2 million in state aid for the 17h State Senate District towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge, which is a $9.2 million increase in state aid over the previous biennial budget.

Included in that total is $231.28 million in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) aid, an increase of $9.37 million over the previous biennial budget.

The 2026-27 State of Connecticut General Fund budget totals $49.392 billion. The budget does not raise income, gasoline or sales taxes and is about $1 million under the constitutional spending cap in FY 26 and $75 million under the spending cap in FY 27.

The budget increases state aid to all local schools by $186 million to $2.4 billion and increases special education ‘excess cost’ aid to cities and towns by more than $80 million to $442 million.

The budget also increases by $250 per family the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the working poor, totaling $26 million per year, affecting an estimated tens of thousands of Connecticut families.

Today’s state budget also fully funds Medicaid, including more than $400 million in increased funding to shore up the program on which 900,000 Connecticut residents rely, and it invests $7 million in Foodshare, a nonprofit that helps to feed hungry families,

SENATOR DUFF VOTES FOR A STATE BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN FAMILIES, EDUCATION AND OUR TOWNS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR DUFF VOTES FOR A STATE BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN FAMILIES, EDUCATION AND OUR TOWNS

HARTFORD – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) joined his Senate Democratic colleagues this evening in voting to approve the 2026-27 biennial no-tax increase state budget that invests in Connecticut’s children, families and towns.

The budget passed 25-11 on a purely partisan vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

“Locally, this budget delivers more education funding for the Norwalk Public Schools and a record amount of municipal aid for the City of Norwalk. All in all, this funding will help meet Norwalk’s needs over the next two years, especially on some of its most pressing issues,” said Sen. Duff.

In the budget, Sen. Duff secured the following state aid for the 25th State Senate District:

-Norwalk will receive $76.4 million in total state aid over the next two years, a $21.35 million increase of approximately 38% over the previous biennial budget.

-Of that total, Norwalk will receive $32.89 million in school aid, a $1.9 million increase of about 6% over the previous biennial budget.

-Norwalk will also receive $383,000 in a new Special Education and Expansion Development grant.

-Darien will receive $2.42 million in total state aid over the next two years, a $263,000 increase of about 12% over the previous biennial budget.

-Of that total, Darien will receive $1.1 million in school aid, a $50,400 increase of about 4.9% over the previous biennial budget.

Sen. Duff also secured:

-$3.2 million for the Norwalk Transit District Route Enhancements and ADA Shortfall

-$2.9 million for the Women’s Business Development Council

-$2.2 million for the Norwalk Transit Coastal Link

-$2 million for The Workplace Retail Project

-$1.67 million for Person 2 Person

-$1.607 million for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium

-$750,000 for Waterford’s Upstart Program

-$190,500 for the Connecticut Writing Project

-$161,726 for Stepping Stones

-$200,000 each for Filling in the Blanks, Robotics Funding, and Serving All Vessels Equally (SAVE) in Norwalk

-$100,000 each for Cornerstone Community Foundation, Norwalk International Cultural Exchange (NICE Festival), and the Norwalk Symphony

-$80,000 for the Youth Business Initiative

-$50,000 each for the Raymond Boathouse and Homes for Hope in Westport

-$40,000 each for Basket of Love, the MLK Scholarship Fund, and the Norwalk Housing Authority Scholarship Fund

 

“Our budget priorities and budget process here in Connecticut could not be more different than what’s happening right now in Washington, D.C. with Republicans and Donald Trump in charge,” Sen. Duff continued. “We’re paying down debt in Connecticut while they’re exploding it in Washington. We’re expanding access to childcare instead of slashing Head Start. We’re delivering record education aid to towns instead of dismantling the Department of Education. And we’re providing tax relief to lower-income working families, not billionaires. Democrats did  right by Connecticut in this state budget.”

The 2026-27 State of Connecticut General Fund budget totals $49.392 billion, with a FY 26 growth rate of 5.4% and a FY 27 growth rate of 5.5%. The budget does not raise income, gasoline or sales taxes and is about $1 million under the constitutional spending cap in FY 26 and $75 million under the spending cap in FY 27.

The budget increases state aid to all local schools by $186 million to $2.4 billion and increases special education ‘excess cost’ aid to cities and towns by more than $80 million to $442 million.

The budget also increases by $250 per family the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the working poor, totaling $26 million per year, affecting an estimated tens of thousands of Connecticut households (Norwalk has the 8th-highest number of EITC households in the state, with nearly 5,000 claiming the credit.)

Today’s state budget also fully funds Medicaid, including more than $400 million in increased funding to shore up the program on which 900,000 Connecticut residents rely, and it invests $7 million in Foodshare, a nonprofit that helps to feed hungry families.

Senator Gaston Delivers State Budget With Over Half A Billion for Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Delivers State Budget With Over Half A Billion for Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) gave final approval to a Democratic state budget that provides significant increases in state aid for Bridgeport.

The biennium budget includes over half a billion dollars in state funding for Bridgeport which includes $273.1 million in FY 26, which is an increase of $18.2 million, and $273.6 million in FY 27, which is an increase of $18.8 million. In FY 26 and FY 27 there is $212.7 million each year in funding to Bridgeport education. This is a total of $425.4 million in an increase of $11 million over FY 25.

“This budget delivers for Bridgeport in a big way—over half a billion dollars in state aid, including major investments in our schools, our families, and our future,” said Sen. Gaston. “Investing in education is one of the most critical steps we can take to secure Bridgeport’s future. Our students deserve the same opportunities as anyone in this state, and this funding helps level the playing field—providing essential resources, improving classroom experiences, and giving our kids the tools they need to succeed. It reflects our values by lifting up working people, supporting our most vulnerable, and making sure Bridgeport gets the resources we need to thrive. I’m proud to have helped pass a budget that puts people first.”

Investing in Our State

-A $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households – one out of every seven

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Budget Reserve Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

-Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

New Britain Delegation Delivers over $151 Million to New Britain in Balanced State Budget

Posted on by Devin James

New Britain Delegation Delivers over $151 Million to New Britain in Balanced State Budget

Today, the New Britain Delegation including state Senator Rick Lopes, state Representatives Robert Sanchez, Gary Turco, Manny Sanchez, and David DeFronzo are grateful a balanced, $55.8 billion dollar budget passed bringing over $151 million to New Britain that will strengthen infrastructure, support education, expand economic development, and improve quality of life for New Britain residents.

The biennium budget includes over $151 million to New Britain which is a total increase of $9.7 million in FY 26 and $9.8 million in FY 27, both of which includes $8.6 million in increased education funding.

“I proudly voted to pass a budget that delivers on our promise to invest in New Britain’s future,” said Sen. Lopes. “This funding is not just welcome — it’s necessary. Our city faces real challenges, from aging infrastructure to underfunded schools and rising costs for working families. This budget brings over $151 million directly to New Britain, providing critical support where it’s needed most. It’s a balanced, fiscally responsible plan that puts New Britain residents first and reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more equitable community.”

“I’m proud to help secure a budget that puts New Britain’s taxpayers at the forefront,” said Rep. Robert Sanchez. “Focusing on local support for our community with a historic increase in education funding, we’re giving our students and teachers the tools they need to succeed. These investments are a reflection of our values that every child, regardless of ZIP code, deserves access to a quality education and a bright future.”

“This budget is a win for working families in New Britain,” said Rep. Turco. “From boosting local aid to investing in job creation and economic development, we’re delivering results that will improve everyday life in our city.”

“New Britain deserves its fair share, and this budget helps change deliver that,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “These are real dollars to improve our infrastructure, strengthen public services, and expand opportunity. I’m committed to making sure these funds lift up our community and ensure no one is left behind.”

“As a lifelong New Britain resident, I know how much this investment means to our neighborhoods,” said Rep. DeFronzo. “This budget reflects what we’ve heard from constituents the need for better schools, safer streets, and more support for local businesses. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to deliver a budget that meets those needs and moves our city forward.”

The $55.8 billion dollar budget falls under the spending cap in both years and maintains fiscal responsibility, resulting in a balanced budget, even as Congressional Republicans abandon budgetary discipline and endorse Donald Trump’s deficit-ballooning plan to cut taxes for the rich.

Senator Maroney Votes for Balanced State Budget

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Votes for Balanced State Budget

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in support of the recently passed $55.8 billion biennial state budget, which secures significant funding for his district including Milford, Orange, West Haven and Woodbridge. The budget passed will strengthen infrastructure, support education, expand economic development, and improve quality of life for residents in Connecticut.

The biennium budget will deliver over $15.3 million for FY 26 in Milford, $73.5 million for West Haven, over $2 million for Orange, and nearly $3 million for Woodbridge. In total, these four towns are getting an additional $5 million each year.

“I’m proud to have voted for a budget that brings real results to the communities I represent,” said Sen. Maroney. “This balanced budget delivers over $90 million to Milford, Orange, West Haven, and Woodbridge—supporting our schools, strengthening local infrastructure, and investing in economic development. At a time when fiscal responsibility is more important than ever, this plan delivers targeted relief without raising taxes, and ensures our towns have the resources they need to grow and thrive.”

Investing in Our State

-A $250 tax refund for hundreds of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households – one out of every seven

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Budget Reserve Fund

-A total of $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grant investment, with $186 million of new investments for the two-year period; this includes “holding harmless” 81 towns that would have seen a decrease in ECS funding

-$80 million in additional special education cost savings and $75 million in additional new special education funding for a total of $442 million in special education excess cost spending

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

-Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions