Jaime Foster

On Friday, I was proud to stand with Ellington’s local leaders, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Senator Kissel to celebrate Ellington's receipt of more than $3.7 million in indoor air quality grants.

These grants are symbolic of the kind of work we’re successful at in the Connecticut Legislature, where we can compromise and find remedies that are good solutions for multiple diverse stakeholders.

Teachers and parents alike are demanding better air quality in schools, but administration and boards of education are worried about unfunded mandates. This grant makes it possible to improve the air quality standards in three schools while there will be marked improvement in the air quality at Center ($671,000), Ellington Middle School ($1,003,062.50), and Ellington High School ($2,030,875.00), joining the excellent air quality achieved at Crystal Lake School, following the renovation and addition.

Thanks to local leaders and particularly to Brian Greenleaf for his coordination on this bill compromise.

A special thanks to Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, Governor Lamont, and my caucus leadership for forging a path forward for this compromise!