/p>Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced that he received an “A” grade from the Connecticut Education Association as it released its Legislator Report Cards for the 2023 legislative session. The CEA releases these report cards every other year; 2023 is the first time the organization is issuing them annually, noting legislators’ support of policies supporting education strength and enhancing the teaching profession.
According to the CEA, any legislator who scored an “A” proposed or co-sponsored bills positively impacting students, teachers and public education, advocated for bills supporting those priorities and discussed pressing educational issues.
“The importance of supporting and bolstering the strength of Connecticut’s education systems has never been more vital,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m proud to receive this great news from the CEA and will continue supporting policies that benefit our schools, teachers and students in future years.”
The CEA reported that Sen. Needleman’s score was due to support of policies including supporting teacher recruitment and retention; addressing challenging student behavior and working to make classrooms safer; improving indoor air quality in schools; support for play-based learning; the state budget, which provided significant school funding through education cost sharing; allowing for kindergarten start age waivers; providing tuition assistance for some educators; and aiding the formation of a special education task force designed to examine case loads, among others.