Geoff Luxenberg

I am thrilled to share that Manchester will be receiving an increase of $7,753,785 in state funding to help close critical gaps in school budgets and town finances while providing tax relief to residents through the 2027 state budget.

Part of this funding increase includes:

• $5,247,464 in additional education funding
• $1,001403 in additional town aid

Manchester’s portion of the state budget is $71,320,844, which includes PILOT funds, Motor Vehicle Tax Payments, Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grants, Town Aid Road, Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP), Municipal Grants in Aid, Education Cost Sharing, Adult Education, Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) Grant, as well as the supplemental funding for education and town aid.

This increase in state funding is a direct response to supporting the Manchester community in the areas they need it most, from additional town aid to critical education funding. I am grateful for the continued support from Speaker Ritter and House Democrat Leadership to help residents through property tax relief and increased aid. This additional funding will make a real, meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. 

This Session, the House and Senate voted unanimously to pass H.B. 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces. This bill expands on the legislation passed during last session and delivers real benefits, protections, support, and relief for our veterans and military families across Connecticut.

This bill is a bipartisan effort that supports veterans and soldiers across Connecticut:

• Expands access to dental care for eligible veterans through the Veterans Dental Care Access Program
• Strengthens protections for veterans by ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs clearly warns people about unrecognized claims assistance and points them toward trusted resources
• Supports military families by helping make transitions smoother for young children in Birth-to-Three when a family is relocating due to services
• Increases access to earned benefits, including tax relief on military pay
• Protects veterans from bad actors who try to take advantage of veterans and service members when filing claims

 
This bill is about making a real difference in the lives of our veterans, service members, and military families. Here in Connecticut, we understand that taking care of veterans in our communities is our responsibility, and we will continue to pass legislation that supports the people who protect us.  

Since 2025, masked federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents – many inadequately trained -- have waged a campaign of fear and intimidation with a reckless disregard for the constitutional rights of the people they encounter.
 
Parents are afraid of bringing children to medical appointments or sending them to school, court dates are skipped for fear of being detained, and congregants are afraid of going to their places of worship.
 
We, as a state, have an obligation to address the unprecedented breakdown in federal accountability and attacks on the rule of law. Senate Bill 397 represents a measured and lawful response to these concerns. The legislation seeks to strengthen accountability by requiring clear identification from federal agents, restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, and creating a pathway for individuals to seek recourse when their constitutional rights are violated. 

Specifically, Senate Bill 397 does the following:

• Enables any person the right to sue federal actors who violate their constitutional rights.
• Ensures the Inspector General has clear, unrestricted authority to investigate the unauthorized use of force by state, local, and certain federal agents when force results in death.
• Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves when conducting operations.
• Builds on the framework established in 2025, designating protected areas – hospitals, schools, courthouses, places of worship – that will be shielded from civil immigration arrests unless a law enforcement officer presents a signed judicial warrant.
• Establishes a floor of at least 480 hours of training for law enforcement officers in Connecticut.
• Regulates automated license plate reader technologies, permitting an active hot list, but capping retention of data to 21 days absent an ongoing criminal investigation.

This legislation is not born out of partisan preference. It’s a measured response to protect the people of Connecticut. No one is above the law, and the protection of constitutional rights is not solely within the federal government’s purview.

I was a proud cosponsor of this legislation and am thrilled to see these much needed protections become law. Both the House and Senate passed S.B. 397, and this Monday, it was signed into law by Governor Lamont.  

Make sure to look out for these emails, and follow me on Facebook for the latest Manchester updates. And remember if you or someone you know requires assistance, please feel free to contact me on my personal cell at (860) 335-2023 or email me at Geoff.Luxenberg@cga.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

Geoff Luxenberg
State Representative