SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL LUNCHES

February 4, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal released February 4. That proposal includes a $12.5 million investment to include universal school breakfasts in state schools and eliminate reduced-price meal costs for students:

“After years of advocating for universal no-cost school meals for students in Connecticut, I’m heartened to hear Governor Lamont knows how important this priority is for our youth,” said Sen. Maher. “Children who have access to food in schools can learn and focus better, and it is directly tied to better outcomes as they grow up. I can’t help but notice that the Governor’s proposal could go further, however. If our state funds universal school breakfasts, it’s not a huge leap from there to do the same with school lunches, creating a universal school meals program. The benefits from such an expansion would be measurable.”