State Budget Passes: Money for Schools, Towns and Health Care
A 717-Page Fiscal Blueprint After Weeks of Debate
After weeks of heated public discussions, the state Senate has delivered a decisive 30-6 vote in favor of a sweeping new budget—with all opposition from Republicans. The plan injects $180 million into education, $100 million for struggling towns, and $152 million in shared costs for public schools, aiming to keep local property taxes flat while boosting funding for diverse educational programs.
Key Allocations & Highlights
- $10 million guaranteed for a minimum 2% increase in school funding per community.
- $18 million earmarked for magnet, charter, and vocational schools, including a program to promote socioeconomic diversity by allowing students to attend schools outside their towns.
- Largest municipal shares:
- Hartford: $226 million
- Bridgeport: $212.7 million
- Waterbury: $201 million
- New Haven: $170.8 million
Existing funds already provide $2.45 billion across all 169 towns.
Controversial Reactions
Senate leadership praised the budget as "excellent," emphasizing its alignment with municipal needs and additional Medicaid funding—a critical boost, according to health workers.
Republicans fiercely contested the plan, arguing:
- No direct tax relief is provided.
- Spending exceeds the cap (Dems dispute the 8% spending hike claim).
- An amendment to cut spending and introduce tax breaks was rejected.
Mixed Wins for Taxpayers & Workers
✅ Sales tax exemption on school supplies—saving taxpayers $6 million. ✅ $300 million child-daycare endowment established. ✅ State workers secure raises:
- 4.5% total increase (2.5% base + 2% step).
- $378 million in overtime payments projected for 2024—drawing Republican criticism over high wages.
❌ No new child tax credit—a setback for Democrats pushing for relief.
Budget Breadth: From Salaries to Dolly Parton
The budget spans 42,000+ employee salaries, prisoner dental care, and even a whimsical $300,000 allocation for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library via United Way.
Next Steps
The final vote concluded in a rare Saturday session, wrapping at midnight. Legislators reconvene to finalize the House version before the July 1 fiscal year deadline.
