Geraldo Reyes Jr

With various deadlines around the corner, the Capitol is a whirlwind of activity as we attempt to advance as many bills as we can to strengthen our state.

Below, I will break down how a new proposal to boost education funding will improve Waterbury's public schools.

I am also advocating to provide the Waterbury Land Bank with more resources. Keep scrolling to learn how a bill I co-sponsored supports meaningful development in our city.

Below you will find the following sections in today's email:

• Proposal To Boost School Funding
• Supporting Funding to Revitalize Waterbury
• Leadership Students Visit Capitol

 

Proposal To Boost School Funding

I strongly support the efforts of House Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and our legislative colleagues to increase education funding for cities and towns across Connecticut. For too long, students in Waterbury have faced the consequences of chronic underfunding. Our schools, and more importantly, our children, deserve more. This proposal would direct $100-$170 million in one-time surplus funding to municipalities, and it represents a meaningful way toward addressing that inequality.

By prioritizing student need, this plan could bring a 2%–5% increase in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding to communities like Waterbury. That support will help our schools manage rising costs, invest in student success, and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.   We do have more work to do, but this is an important step toward giving every child in Waterbury the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Supporting Funding to Revitalize Waterbury

Legislation aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods in Waterbury recently took an important step forward, passing the Commerce Committee with a unanimous 20-0 vote. The bill now moves to the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee before it can advance to the Senate and House floors for consideration.   I testified in support of Senate Bill 241, which I am proud to co-sponsor. The measure would provide up to $5 million in additional funding to the Waterbury Land Bank Authority, strengthening its ability to acquire, maintain, clean up, and redevelop dilapidated properties across the city.

Testifying in support of additional funding for the Waterbury Land Bank

With more resources, the land bank can continue turning blighted properties into opportunities, supporting economic development, expanding access to affordable housing, and helping stabilize neighborhoods.   To date, the Waterbury Land Bank has: Reduced blight across the city Redeveloped vacant and distressed properties Expanded access to quality housing, including for our growing immigrant community Since its creation in 2019, the land bank has delivered meaningful results for our neighborhoods. I will continue to strongly advocate for this important work and the role it plays in Waterbury’s future.

Leadership Students Visit Capitol

It was a privilege to hold an engaged conversation with students from the Leadership Greater Waterbury program about the work my colleagues and I are doing to strengthen Waterbury.

We held a thoughtful discussion about the challenges our city faces, including education funding, housing, and transportation, and how, in my role as a state representative, I advocate for the resources and policies needed to address them.   I am grateful to the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce for inviting these passionate students to Hartford. Experiences like this help foster the next generation of leaders and provide valuable insight into how we can work together to improve our community.