Raghib Allie-Brennan

House and Senate leadership have announced that both chambers will vote next week on an immediate $40 million in state funding to support Special Education needs for the current fiscal year. This funding, allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program, will be distributed using a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes the most financially strained cities and towns. The House will convene on Monday, February 24, and the Senate on Tuesday, February 25.

I have been keeping the pressure on leadership to act because I’ve seen firsthand the impact that inadequate Special Education funding has on our local school districts. In conversations with Bethel Superintendent Dr. Christine Carver and Danbury school officials, it has been clear that skyrocketing costs are putting immense pressure on our town budgets, forcing difficult choices that impact teachers, students, and families.
 
Over the past four years, Bethel has lost out on more than $1.5 million due to the state failing to fully fund the Excess Cost Grant—this year alone, the shortfall was over $624,000. That funding gap has already led to a district-wide budget freeze, limiting access to professional development for teachers, restricting student resources, and creating uncertainty for essential programs. Danbury is also facing significant challenges, with rising Special Education costs straining its already overburdened school system.
 
This $40 million investment is a necessary first step, but I know we must do more. I will continue fighting for full funding of the Excess Cost Grant so that Bethel, Danbury, and all Connecticut communities have the resources they need to support students. The state must meet its obligation to students, families, and educators.