Saud Anwar

Senator Anwar Excited as Nearly $500 Million in Federal Emergency Relief Funds Released in Effort to Reduce Educational Disparities, Including $10.89 Million in Local Funds

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) said he was excited to see the release of $492.43 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds throughout Connecticut, including more than $10.89 million to local school districts. That funding is dedicated to targeting and reducing educational disparities among students that have been further exacerbated from the pandemic, with possible uses including additional classroom supports, intensive tutoring and enhanced summer school programming.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us, some have been harmed more than others. We know students who struggle with housing insecurity, disability, discrimination and myriad other outward pressures in their lives need more support to find success,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am relieved to see this federal funding support the students who need it most and thank Connecticut’s federal delegation for its hard work and support of our communities.

In the 3rd Senate District, towns received $10.89 million in funding, with East Hartford schools receiving more than $9.41 million, East Windsor schools receiving $712,839, South Windsor schools receiving $541,540 and Ellington receiving $227,868.

Connecticut received $492.43 million in funding in the latest allotment, increasing total Emergency Relief Funds received to just over $600 million. Part of the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 90 percent of the funding will be allocated to municipal education groups, while a remaining 10 percent will be used for state-level activities.

Approved uses of the funds include coordinating improved COVID-19 response, prevention and preparation efforts; addressing learning loss among students, including groups seen to experience increased learning loss such as low-income students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness and children and youth in foster care; addressing individual schools’ needs; improving sanitation on school campuses; and improving indoor air quality in schools while reducing risk of environmental health hazards, among others.