WEST HARTFORD DELEGATION APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID, MUNICIPAL SUPPORT
West Hartford will receive $2.825 million in additional educational support through the Education Cost Sharing grant and $5.03 million in total increased aid.
Specific support for West Hartford includes $600,000 for public restroom construction, $400,000 for the Trout Brook Trail/East Coast Greenway Connector, $171,100 for the Miracle League Field Bridge Replacement and $80,000 for West Hartford Pride.
“When our towns and schools need financial support, we need to deliver for our communities,” said Sen. Slap. “Today, we’re taking action to increase funding for education, municipal services, health care and child care aimed to deliver relief for taxpayers and bolster local, regional and statewide needs.”
“I’m pleased to see robust funding for West Hartford’s green spaces included in this year’s budget,” said Rep. Gilchrest. “Strategic investments like these are critical to preserving environmental sustainability, supporting recreation, and maintaining the high quality of life our residents expect. By prioritizing these resources, we are making a long-term commitment to the vitality and resilience of our community.”
“Additional state funding for West Hartford in this state budget represents a meaningful investment in our community and financial relief for our residents,” said Rep. Farrar. “By strengthening support for our public schools and increasing municipal aid, we are better equipping our students and teachers with the resources they need to succeed while also easing the burden on property taxpayers. And as the tri-chair of the Early Childhood Education Endowment, the continued investment in childcare will ensure we can continue to bring down costs for families, pay educators what they are worth, and make sure our kids have the best start.”
“I’m thrilled that we have secured additional education funding to support our students,” said Rep. Sanchez. “Investing in our children is one of the most important commitments we can make as a community, and this funding will help ensure there are more resources and opportunities for the next generation to succeed.”
“West Hartford remains the thriving town it is when its residents’ needs are being met,” Rep. Exum said. “When they call for help, we must answer. From education and health care to easing the burden on taxpayers, this additional funding delivers for the town and the people who continue to make it one of the state’s jewels.”
“This is a great victory for West Hartford. The additional funding will provide a much needed boost to our schools and other vital local services,” said Rep. Gibson.
The budget will deliver $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns across the state, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.
The investment reflects concerns legislators heard throughout this year from mayors, first selectmen and school boards. When the state funds more of the local bill, cities and towns do not have to pass costs onto property taxpayers. Running municipalities and schools costs more every year, and the burden of that growth falls disproportionately on the local property tax base. The budget provides meaningful relief to communities statewide at a moment where it will make a significant impact.
The legislation also exempts school supplies from sales taxes and expands the maximum value of an item of clothing covered by the state’s sales tax holiday from $100 to $300.
Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.
Total aid includes, in addition to ECS, Town Aid Road funding, Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding, car tax grants, Local Capital Improvements Program grants, special education funding and funding through the Mashantucket-Pequot Fund.
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 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.