$40M for Special Education, Help for Vets, and Reading to Kids

March 7, 2025

My colleagues and I in the Connecticut General Assembly passed a measure allocating $40 million for special education. I'll break down how much Waterbury will receive and why the timing is so important for our children.

Connecticut remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our veterans. Keep reading for a deep dive into how we're helping our heroes who have devoted their lives to serving our great nation.

I had the pleasure of getting in the classroom on Read Across America Week. Please scroll below to see pictures of me reading to our amazing kids!

You will find the following sections:

  • $40 Million for Special Education
  • Read Across America
  • Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
 
$40 Million for Special Education

I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in immediate relief to cover special education costs for school districts across the state. Waterbury Public Schools will receive approximately $980,100 as part of this funding, which will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.

I am pleased the governor's office and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly came to an agreement that delivers critical municipal funding to our schools to support our children and their futures.

My colleagues and I have heard loud and clear from communities across Connecticut -- the rising cost of special education is placing an enormous strain on local budgets, and school districts need relief now as they develop their budgets.

We remain steadfast in looking for long-term 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.
 
Read Across America
This week, I celebrated Read Across America Day by reading to children in the classroom at Hopeville, Washington, and Roberto Clemente International Dual Language Schools in the hopes of opening their doors to imagination, inspiration, and endless possibilities.
Reading helps build knowledge and foster a lifelong love of learning. Encouraging literacy from an early age is essential to a child's success. Every child deserves access to books that reflect their experiences and introduces them to new perspectives. Thank you to all the teachers who invited me to read to the kids!
 
Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
We took a significant step in supporting veterans by passing legislation that provides much-needed tax relief for those who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to their military service. This bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and aims to ease their financial burden by reducing property tax obligations, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income for essential needs. 
By passing this measure, Connecticut reaffirms its commitment to honoring and supporting those who have given so much for our country, ensuring they receive the assistance and recognition they deserve.