In Support of $40M Special Education Funding, SLR Reimbursement Program Update

February 26, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,

To give you a sense of where we are in session, we are in the public hearing process for all committees. Some committees are beginning to vote bills out of committee for their possible passage on the House and/or Senate floors.
 
Today, for instance, two of the three committees I am a part of have public hearings, Public Health and Appropriations and more specifically the Conservation and Development Subcommittee I co-chair with Senator Joan Hartley. It’s important to know where we are in the process because we want you to testify on the bills you care about.
 
While it’s difficult to chase down all of the 7,000+ bills filed this year, my suggestion is to choose a topic area that means the most to you and track the bills in that committee. Reach out to the proponents of the bill and offer support, sign up to testify on Zoom or in person, and make sure you let me know it’s a bill you want us to pass.
 
As you probably saw, we were in session on Monday and we passed some critical legislation to stay ahead of federal changes that could gut important programs in our state, an option to give towns some relief, phasing out the use of Chinese drones by law enforcement, and clarification for schools on what to do if ICE requests access to schools in Connecticut. More details are shared below.
 
It’s a very lengthy e-news today so I won’t drag this weekly letter to you out, but please reach out to me if you have any questions by simply replying to this email.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni 
 
$40M for Special Education Funding
On Monday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.
These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.
 
Since then, the governor has expressed concerns regarding this budget allocation and has suggested the possibility of a line-item veto. However, I remain optimistic that a workable agreement can be reached as we address this critical issue.
My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets. Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief.

Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.
 
House Democrats Pass Veterans’ Property Tax
We alao House took action on tax relief for 100% permanently, and totally disabled Veterans....
 
Community Funding
...and House Democrats sent a clear message on Monday that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity - and legislate that way, too.
 
Student Loan Reimbursement Program Update
Recently, I testified before the Higher Education Committee on an update to the Student Loan Reimbursement Program. As of next month, residents of Connecticut who have qualified for the program will begin receiving their reimbursement.

The reason for this bill is to do a little clean-up on some of the items that are integral to the program like being able to volunteer at multiple locations to meet the 50 hours requirement each year and a hardship waiver for those who might be unable to complete those hours (e.g., someone currently going through chemotherapy).

More details in the video below about how the program is going and how we imagine it moving forward.
 
 
End Homelessness Caucus Meets the Press
Recently, the legislature started a bi-partisan End Homelessness caucus and as part of that launch, we held a press conference with legislators and advocates.
Our caucus priorities include:
  • Co-sponsor HB 6894: AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS.
  • Achieve the addition of 33.5 million dollars as an annual line item in the budget for homelessness services (a detailed breakdown will be shared with members)
  • A $5 million annual line item to be added to the budget to fully fund cold-weather services (included in the 33.5 million dollar estimate)
  • HB 7033: AN ACT PROHIBITING A MUNICIPALITY FROM IMPOSING A PENALTY ON HOMELESS PERSONS FOR UNDERTAKING LIFE-SUSTAINING ACTIVITIES ON PUBLIC LAND. Check out the story from WTNH HERE.
 
"Coldest Night of the Year Walk" A Success
We completed the first-ever “Coldest Night of the Year” walk in Hartford on Saturday.

My team, Compassionate Soles, raised $4,453 for the

CT Coalition to End Homelessness and the Community Renewal Team.
As a reminder, we have over 5000 people in a shelter right now(including 500 children), many of them the working poor, and of those, nearly 1000 unsheltered people that we know of (living In tents or outdoors).
 
Joining Avon's Board of Education Meeting 
Last night, Senator Paul Honig and I joined Avon’s Board of Education for a legislative update and a conversation over their budget concerns, concerns which we share.

As you saw earlier in the e-news, the legislature recognized that the requests for excess cost came in over $100 million over the expected (and funded amount). Though we are in the middle of budget negotiations for the biennium budget, we felt that more immediate relief was needed which was why we passed a $40 million boost to school districts across Connecticut, including Avon and Canton. While the Governor indicated he might veto the bill, we are hopeful he also recognizes the immediate need.
Lisa Hammersley from the State School Finance project also presented to detail how and why we receive less ECS funding than communities around us. While this is a long explanation, I think it’s important that you know the following:
 
The State of Connecticut established the Education Cost Sharing Formula in response to the court's ruling on the Horton v. Meskill case. At the time, the state was providing the same per-pupil grant to students regardless of the town that they lived in. The court found that this education funding system allows "property wealthy" towns to spend more on education with less effort and therefore impeded children's constitutional rights to an equal education. In theory, the ECS grant is supposed to make up the difference between what a community can afford to pay and what it costs to run a public school system. 
 
The state was utilizing flat-funded block grants to fund K12 education when the current formula was enacted in 2017 by the legislature. At that time, another court case (CCJEF v. Rell) was demanding educational equity and the implementation of a formula to distribute the state's support to students. In response to the court's decision, the legislature once again enacted a formula that is still being followed to this day that takes into account the number of students, the needs of the students, as well as the ability of local property taxes to support educational expenses. 
 
Every year, the formula is recalculated using all of the inputs that go into the formula. Those inputs are 
  • Town’s prior year ECS grant amount
  • # of students residing in town
  • # of economically disadvantaged students
  • % of economically disadvantaged students
  • # of students who are multilingual learners
  • # of students sent to regional school districts, and how many grades the regional district has
  • Town’s property wealth (ENGLPC)
  • Income of town residents (Median Household Income)
  • PIC Index score
  • Alliance District status

Utilizing these factors, Avon is determined to be "overfunded" meaning that the amount that they currently receive is above the ECS grant that it is eligible to receive under the formula for the following academic year. As a result, for the upcoming year, it is statutorily scheduled to receive a reduction in state support under ECS as the statute phases out the town to its fully funded grant in FY 2032. 
Having said all of that, I remain committed to doing what I have done over the last four years: advocating for more special education money to meet our district’s needs (we now have a select committee just on Special Education); relief from mandates that don’t make sense for our district (which is why we now have a mandate relief committee); and supporting our teachers and staff in any way that I can and within limitations .
 
Operation Fuel Financial Assistance Ends Friday
Operation Fuel's Our Energy Assistance program will close applications for gas, electric, and deliverable fuels on Friday, Feb. 28, at 11:59 p.m.
After just four weeks, the program received almost 3,700 applications from households in need of support, the organization said in a Facebook post.
 
Please note:
  • If you’ve applied to the program, but haven’t heard back, log in to the website here to check your application status.
  • if you’ve started your application, but haven’t finished it, log in ASAP and complete it, including uploading all required documents.

To check your application status or to apply, please click HERE.
 
Donate: Help Your Neighbors
Donating to Support Programs & Services that assist our Avon Residents has just become easier. 
You can now make donations online to the Avon Special Needs Fund, Fuel Bank, Senior Center, Food Bank and Pet Pantry.
 
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate among mental health conditions, with one person dying from an eating disorder every 52 minutes, yet many are unaware of the barriers that can make it difficult to find recovery, including a lack of understanding about eating disorders and their impact.
Together, let’s make this Eating Disorder Awareness Week a turning point for greater awareness, empathy, and support for all impacted by eating disorders.
 
Free: COVID-19 At-Home Tests
 
Beware: More Scams
Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. Two scams are making the rounds recently, both involving cell phones.

The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers.

The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.
The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers. The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.
 
DSS said those are not department numbers. Furthermore, DSS said it will never ask for your PIN, and it will only text from the benefits center number or 60302.
IRS STIMULUS SCAM
 
The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.
 
DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS. It's a phishing scam.
 
First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago that some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS.
Here are some Tips from the Better Business Bureau:
  • Verify communications: Real IRS notices are sent through postal mail, not texts or emails.
  • Avoid clicking links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go to IRS.gov.
  • Be cautious of urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Take time to confirm claims independently.

Report the scam. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
 
Celebrating Black History Month
A (brief) look at Connecticut's complex history with slavery and the state's path toward freedom.

While slavery was legal in the state until 1848, many enslaved Black people fought for their freedom, and Connecticut became a hub for abolitionists.
The legacy of Black resistance, culture, and the contributions of individuals in the fight for equality continue to influence Connecticut today.

Their stories of perseverance and strength are integral to understanding the state's broader history.
 
A  Treat from the Avon Public Schools String Program
At the beginning of Avon’s Board of Education meeting last night, we were treated to some of the Avon Public Schools string program students playing a flawless National Anthem (shout out to Mr. Strick).
Part of the reason they were there, as were all of Avon’s music teachers, was because the music department received national recognition as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the United States. Music programs make an enormous difference in the lives of students and I am thrilled to see these teachers recognized for their excellence.
 
March 27th: Small Business Lending Expo @ CCSU
For small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing small businesses, this one is for you!
Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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