Senator Maroney Approves FY ’27 State Budget with New Education Aid for 14th District

HARTFORD –State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) today voted changes to the second year of the Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that delivers $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care –  all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap. 

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Sen. Maroney voted for and welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in a $5.4 million increase in ECS funding in the 14th district.

Sen. Maroney voted and welcomed funding for:

• $2 million for West Haven fire districts
• $10,000 Woodruff YMCA chair lift
• $25,000 for Purple Pantry
• $10,000 in the Milford Public Library book drop off
• $50,000 Milford Little League

“I am thrilled that this budget delivers a significant increase in ECS funding directly to the communities of the 14th District, which means more resources for our local schools and the students who depend on them,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am also proud that this budget provides critical funding for so many important community priorities including support for West Haven fire districts, Milford Little League, the Purple Pantry, the Woodruff YMCA, and the Milford Public Library. These are the kinds of investments that make a real difference in people’s everyday lives. I am thankful to Senate leadership for their commitment to prioritizing education funding and ensuring that communities like ours receive the resources they need to thrive.”

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

• $152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
• $20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
• $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools. 
• $100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
• A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 860-240-8671