Senator McCrory Votes to Approve State Budget that Invests in Education and Early Childhood

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senator McCrory Votes to Approve State Budget that Invests in Education and Early Childhood

Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford voted Tuesday to approve the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The budget dedicates significant resources to education and childcare, invests an additional $5 million in schools across the 2nd Senate District.

The balanced $56.16 billion two-year budget, which passed the Senate 25-11, does not increase taxes, it reduces state costs and maintains fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget includes $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing Grants: state aid to support local education. It invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

“This state budget prioritizes the things that matter: making sure our schools receive enough resources to give kids in every neighborhood a quality education, expanding child care options to support working parents, helping our districts cover the rising cost of special education, and supporting the local nonprofits that serve our community,” Senator McCrory said. “I’m proud of the resources I’ve secured for the people of Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor and I was happy to support this budget for families across this state.”

Important provisions of the new budget include:

-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 Rainy Day Fund

-In addition to $2.4 billion in Education Cost Sharing grants, the budget includes $186 million in 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

SENATOR MAHER JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined the State Senate’s approval of the 2026-27 biennial state budget. This budget, which passed by a 25-11 vote, invests significant amounts in education and childcare statewide and also invests in families through an increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit. It provides significant investments to local communities, including $4,248,875 in local support. The local funding includes education investments, special education funding and municipal support, among other support.

“This state budget addresses our most pressing needs and provides valuable investment in childcare, which will pay dividends for generations to come,” said Sen. Maher. “But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m proud to vote for a document that makes sure we’re funding our obligations to towns and cities, provides support to families in need and keeps us focused on our priorities, including fiscal responsibility.”

The balanced $55.16billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains the state’s fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families, and allowing children to receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important parts of the new budget include:

-A $250 tax refund for tens of thousands of workers with children through an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 children

– Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day 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 $400million 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

Senator Honig Votes to Approve Two-Year Budget that Sends More State Aid to the 8th District

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senator Honig Votes to Approve Two-Year Budget that Sends More State Aid to the 8th District

Sen. Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, voted Tuesday to approve the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The budget dedicates significant resources to education and childcare, invests in families through an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides a total of $5.2 million in additional state aid to towns and cities in the 8th Senate District.

“This budget provides real support to the towns and families of the 8th District,” Senator Honig said. “I’m proud that my efforts have helped secure more state funding for our local communities, especially in areas like education, childcare, and municipal aid. These investments will ease pressure on town budgets and give working families the tools they need to thrive.”

The balanced $56.16 billion two-year budget, which passed the Senate 25-11, does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

The budget invests $200 million in early childcare education, expanding access to Early Start CT childcare programs at affordable rates for families and allowing children receive high quality childcare from birth to five years old, also funding a health care subsidy for care providers.

Important provisions of the new budget include:

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

Senator Rahman Votes to Approve Two-Year Budget that Supports Schools, Families of the 4th District

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Approve Two-Year Budget that Supports Schools, Families of the 4th District

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted Tuesday to approve the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The budget dedicates significant resources to education and childcare, invests in families through an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides a total of $16.7 million in additional state aid to towns and cities in the 4th Senate District.

“This budget sends additional state support to the people of the 4th District and across Connecticut,” Senator Rahman said. “It delivers critical investments in education, childcare, and public health, all while staying fiscally responsible and not raising taxes. I’ve worked to ensure our towns receive the state support they need, and I’m proud of the increased aid that will strengthen our schools, help working families, and ease pressure on local budgets. This is how we build a stronger future for everyone.”

Important provisions of the new budget include:

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

-$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

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) gave final approval to a Democratic state budget that provides significant increases in state aid for New Haven.

“This budget delivers unprecedented support for New Haven, ensuring our city has the resources it needs to thrive,” said Senator Looney. “From funding PILOT to making major investments in education, infrastructure, and core municipal services, this funding reflects our deep commitment to equity and economic stability for our city and its residents.”

“New Haven faces unique challenges, and this budget recognizes that by investing in the people and programs that make a real difference in our community,” said Senator Winfield. “Whether it’s supporting public education, addressing local infrastructure needs, or delivering meaningful tax relief to working families, this budget brings critical resources home.”

New Haven Aid – By the Numbers:
The state budget provides an increase in state funding for New Haven of $17,844,708 in Fiscal Year 26 and $18,378,077 in Fiscal Year 27, totaling $318,689,043 in year one and $319,222,412 in year two, equaling over $637 million in the biennium budget.

The city will receive:

-$101,078,558 in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in each year of the budget

-$4,045,204 each year in motor vehicle reimbursement rates

-$19,421,822 each year from the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant

-$5,503,352 from the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant

-$1,710,403 in each year for Town Aid Road (TAR)

-$2,537,896 in Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP) each year

-$10,214,643 in Municipal Grants-in-Aid each year, an increase of $8 million

-$170,824,330 in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) each year

-$2,852,835 and $3,386,204 in Adult Education for FY 26 and FY 27, respectively

Investing in Our State

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

-$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

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senators Looney and Winfield Deliver State Budget with $637 Million for New Haven

The city will receive:

-$101,078,558 in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in each year of the budget

-$4,045,204 each year in motor vehicle reimbursement rates

-$19,421,822 each year from the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant

-$5,503,352 from the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant

-$1,710,403 in each year for Town Aid Road (TAR)

-$2,537,896 in Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP) each year

-$10,214,643 in Municipal Grants-in-Aid each year, an increase of $8 million

-$170,824,330 in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) each year

-$2,852,835 and $3,386,204 in Adult Education for FY 26 and FY 27, respectively

Investing in Our State

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

-$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

Senator Hochadel Votes to Pass State Budget Including Funding for Nonprofits

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Votes to Pass State Budget Including Funding for Nonprofits

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, voted Tuesday to approve the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The budget dedicates significant resources to education and childcare, and invests in nonprofit organizations, which serve vulnerable populations throughout Connecticut.

The bill, which passed the Senate 25-11, preserves a $50 million funding increase in the fiscal year ‘25 budget for Connecticut nonprofits. Additionally, it contains a $45 million funding increase for nonprofits, including $15 million to increase Medicaid rates for nonprofit providers and $30 million to fund cost of living increases for at some nonprofit organizations.

“We rely on nonprofits to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and, too often, we ask them to do that work without the financial support they need,” said Senator Jan Hochadel. “For instance, Beth Fisher and her team at Kuhn Employment Opportunities in Meriden work every day to support adults with disabilities through job training and day services that also give their families the ability to work and care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, funding hasn’t kept pace with the rising costs of providing care. My hope is that this budget begins to close that gap and gives organizations like Kuhn the resources they need to continue their important work.”

The balanced $56.16 billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.

Important provisions of the new budget include:

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

-$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

-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

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN JOINS APPROVAL OF TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET INVESTING IN EDUCATION, FAMILIES, TOWNS AND CITIES

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the State Senate’s approval of the 2026-27 biennial state budget. This budget, which passed by a 25-11 vote, invests significant amounts in education and childcare statewide, invests in families through an increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit and provides significant investments to local communities, including $2,418,015 in new support for the 33rd Senate District in the two-year period. That support includes enhanced education investments, special education funding and municipal project aid.

“As we wait to see the impact the federal budget will have on our nation and our communities, this state budget offers significant investments in important systems and retains effective programs our communities rely on,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m heartened to invest in early child care for countless families feeling financial pressure and to provide relief to working parents in our communities statewide. After months of hard work, this budget comes with no new taxes and retains the state’s fiscal responsibility, all while providing our region with new funding supporting our towns.”

The balanced $55.16 billion two-year budget does not increase taxes, reduces state costs and maintains the state’s fiscal responsibility in addition to making needed investments in Connecticut communities. It grows at a 5.4% rate in the 2026 fiscal year and 5.5% in the 2027 fiscal year.