SEN. LOONEY WELCOMES $350,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR NEW HAVEN

Posted on August 18, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. LOONEY WELCOMES $350,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR NEW HAVEN

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) welcomed the state’s announcement of $350,000 in state grants supporting New Haven’s special education programming.

The funds were released through the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, created through Senate Democrats’ flagship educational legislation in 2025. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“This program was created because lawmakers know special education plays a transformational role in the lives of children with additional needs, but its costs, while necessary, can harm town and city budgets,” said Sen. Looney. “New programming spurred by this investment in our community will bolster offered services and relieve some financial pressure in the process for town and school leaders. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for this investment in New Haven.”

New Haven’s grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including:

Developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities
Establishing new support programs
Expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Senator Cabrera Welcomes Over $332K in Special Education Support for District

Posted on August 18, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Cabrera Welcomes Over $332K in Special Education Support for District

August 18, 2026

Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) welcomed the state’s announcement of grants supporting education programming, which will bring $321,886 to Bethany and $11,000 to Regional School District 5.

“Bethany families should be able to count on strong special education services right in their own schools, and this funding helps make that a reality,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Investments like these mean fewer families have to look outside their community to get their child the support they deserve.”

Contact: Michelle Rappaport / Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Welcomes $350,000 in Special Education Support for Stratford

Posted on August 18, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Gaston Welcomes $350,000 in Special Education Support for Stratford

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed the state’s announcement of $350,000 in state grants supporting Stratford’s special education programming.

“Every child in Stratford deserves a fair shot at a quality education, no matter how they learn,” said Senator Gaston. “This $350,000 means Stratford’s schools can keep more of our students with disabilities learning right here at home, close to their families and their community. I was proud to help pass the legislation that created this incentive program, and I’ll keep fighting in Hartford to make sure Stratford’s schools have the resources our kids deserve.”

SEN. NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $112,310 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR PORTLAND

Posted on August 18, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $112,310 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR PORTLAND

August 18, 2026

This week, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the state’s announcement of $112,310 in state grants supporting Portland’s special education programming.

“This grant means a great deal, as it will help manage the costs of special education and support the needs of our local students and school systems,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their support.”

Portland’s grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

SEN. MARX WELCOMES $50,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR BOZRAH

Posted on August 17, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. MARX WELCOMES $50,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR BOZRAH

August 17, 2026

SEN. MARX WELCOMES $50,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR BOZRAH

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the state’s announcement of $50,000 in state grants supporting Bozrah’s special education programming.

“We know special education is a vital piece of local educational supports for students in need, but we also know too many communities are struggling under high costs,” said Sen. Marx. “That’s why it’s so great to see this program come to fruition and deliver real support. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for this investment.”

Bozrah’s $50,000 grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.

SEN. MAHER WELCOMES $474,305 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR RIDGEFIELD, WESTON

Posted on August 17, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. MAHER WELCOMES $474,305 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR RIDGEFIELD, WESTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 17, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Weston) welcomed the state’s announcement of $474,305 in state grants supporting special education programming in Ridgefield and Weston. Ridgefield will receive $350,000 for programming support, while Weston will receive $124,305.

“Special education is an important need in our communities, but it places significant strain on far too many communities. This funding will help alleviate that pressure and support schools and towns alike with their budgets,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state officials for their support.”

Ridgefield and Weston’s programming grants can be used in ways including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.

SEN. RAHMAN WELCOMES $225,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR ANDOVER

Posted on August 17, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. RAHMAN WELCOMES $225,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR ANDOVER

August 17, 2026

Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) welcomed the state’s announcement of $225,000 in state grants supporting Andover’s special education programming.

“Special education is a vital need in our communities, but its cost can cause frustrating issues for schools, towns and families alike,” said Sen. Rahman. “This new funding will play a significant role in supporting our communities and making sure our students receive the care they need to learn and grow. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their support.”

Andover’s $225,000 grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.

SEN. ANWAR WELCOMES $650,256 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR ELLINGTON, SOUTH WINDSOR

Posted on August 17, 2026 by SDO Automation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

August 17, 2026

SEN. ANWAR WELCOMES $650,256 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR ELLINGTON, SOUTH WINDSOR

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the state’s announcement of $650,256 in state grants supporting special education programming in Ellington and South Windsor. Ellington will receive $163,448 for programming support and $185,568 for capital improvements, while South Windsor will receive $301,240 for programming.

“Special education is a vital need in communities statewide, but it’s putting increased pressure on school and town finances. This funding will deliver much-needed support for our local schools just as classes start,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m grateful for local support from Governor Lamont and state leaders.”

Ellington and South Windsor’s programming grants can be used in ways including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms. Ellington’s capital improvement funding can support new construction, renovation of existing spaces or development of new facilities.

Senator Honig Welcomes $1.387 Million In Special Education Support For Canton, New Hartford, Region 10 Schools, Simsbury and Torrington

Posted on August 17, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Honig Welcomes $1.387 Million In Special Education Support For Canton, New Hartford, Region 10 Schools, Simsbury and Torrington

Today, State Senator Paul Honig (D-Torrington) welcomed the state’s announcement of $1.387 million in state grants supporting special education programming in Canton, New Hartford, Region 10 schools, Simsbury and Torrington. Canton and New Hartford will receive $328,660 in programming support and $171,340 in capital improvements; Region 10 will receive $95,000 for programming and $255,000 for capital improvements; Simsbury will receive $350,000 for programming; and Torrington will receive $187,270 for programming.

“It is wonderful to see that schools in our region will strongly benefit from these investments from the state, helping towns better manage special education costs,” said Sen. Honig. “These grants will play a significant role supporting our students’ needs while ensuring our communities are better prepared to handle them financially. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for investing in our region.”

Programming grants can be used in ways including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms. Capital improvement funding can support new construction, renovation of existing spaces or development of new facilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |

Looney: Support for Extremist Republican Candidate Should Concern Every Connecticut Resident

Posted on August 14, 2026 by SDO Automation

Looney: Support for Extremist Republican Candidate Should Concern Every Connecticut Resident

“Connecticut Republican leaders did the right thing, and they deserve credit for it. Faced with a candidate who called for the transgender and LGBT community to be treated as people who have, in his words, corrupted our families and eroded the foundational values of our society, and who went so far as to suggest that LGBTQ people should face execution, they refused to stay silent. That is how leaders are supposed to respond to hatred, and I commend them for it. But we should not comfort ourselves with the thought that this issue has been resolved. This was not a candidate whose views were hidden or ambiguous. His platform was bigotry stated plainly, and still a meaningful share of primary voters chose him even after his own party’s leadership asked them not to. A campaign built openly on hate and on the language of violence should be universally repudiated. Even falling short of that ideal, such a candidacy should not register in higher than the low single digits, if that. That it earned considerably more should trouble every one of us, regardless of party. The question Connecticut has to ponder is why a candidate like this believed he had a home in one of our major parties at all, and why so many voters were prepared to give him one.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) on Jadon MacCormack, the Republican-endorsed candidate in the 50th House District, losing his primary to Anthony Emilio. MacCormack had drawn bipartisan condemnation for a series of anti-LGBTQ statements, including a call for LGBTQ people to face the death penalty.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193