This past week, I made two important votes—one to support increased special education funding and another to ensure essential services continue for those in need. Both decisions were guided by a commitment to fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability, and ensuring real, lasting results for Connecticut residents.
My Vote on Special Education Funding
On Monday, I voted in favor of increasing special education funding by $40 million—an amount structured within the existing budget to be fiscally responsible and sustainable. However, I opposed an amendment to raise this funding to $108 million because it wasn’t a realistic or viable solution. Even before the vote, Governor Lamont expressed serious fiscal concerns and indicated he was considering a veto. A last-minute, one-time spending surge would have only strengthened the case for rejecting the bill outright, leaving special education programs with nothing instead of something.
We need a long-term strategy, not a short-term political move. The Special Education Select Committee continues to work on structural improvements to ensure that funding is predictable and sustainable. I remain committed to real solutions that prioritize students’ needs without jeopardizing progress.
My Vote to Protect Essential Services
This week I also voted to approve $2.8 million in supplemental grants to protect critical healthcare, housing, and community services at risk due to federal funding cuts. This package ensures continued support for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, LGBTQ+ health centers, immigrant and refugee organizations, and other essential community programs. These funds are not about expanding programs—they are about preventing vital services from disappearing overnight due to lost federal dollars.
Key allocations include:
• $800,000 for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England to address operating deficits.
• $387,500 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective.
• $225,000 each for the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center and Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services.
• $62,500 each for 20 additional organizations supporting LGBTQ+ health, refugee assistance, and youth services.
In both cases, my votes reflected a balanced approach—ensuring funding is sustainable and responsible while protecting the programs that Connecticut families rely on. I will always stand up for my constituents and fight to ensure that our state remains a place where everyone has access to the support they need. |
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