Rebecca Martinez

It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who will head back to the classroom soon! I hope every student has an amazing start to the new school year. 

This is also a time to remind drivers that the law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:

• First offense: $450 fine
• Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both

Click here for more information.

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now:

• $300 million initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
• Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
• $36 million in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
• 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
• Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
• Facility improvements funded for providers
• Health insurance study underway for child care workers

What’s ahead:

• By 2027, families earning under $100k will get free Early Start CT care
• Families earning over $100k will have costs capped at 7% of income
• More spaces and programs through a competitive process
• Expanded pre-K from part-day to full-day, with inclusive environments for all children

This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners.