Rep. Kennedy Aug. 14 Editorial: “Are You Ready to Head Back to School?”

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s that time of year again when our kids head back to school, meaning more groceries, more supplies, and less time for that morning coffee. As students return, let’s take a look at one last piece of summer reading, highlighting the most significant education bills passed this session.

Beginning with the bipartisan 2023 budget agreement, the budget appropriates an overall $163.7 million increase in the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant, which equalizes support for elementary and secondary education throughout Connecticut. Additionally, the budget also approved a $50 million increase to the Excess Cost Grants that will effectively relieve families of the high costs of special education.

Although the overall increase was scheduled, additional funds were provided to protect towns from potential funding reductions. More specifically, the breakdown of the supplemental increases can be outlined as follows (in millions): ECS – $68.5; Magnet Schools – $53.4; State Charter Schools – $9.4; Vocational/Agricultural – $7.2; and Open-Choice Program – $11.4.

We can’t talk about legislative changes to education without mentioning the new law that raises the starting age for kindergarten from age 5 by January, to age 5 by September of each school year. Now, a child younger than age 5 on September 1st can be admitted to kindergarten if the parent or guardian submits a request to the school principal to conduct a formal learning assessment.

Another legislative change addresses transition services for students who receive special education and early intervention services under CT’s Birth to Three program, before entering public school. The law now requires the State Department of Education to employ a transition services coordinator to assist in this student’s transition to their local public school, while also filling positions in the Developmental Services and Aging and Disability Services to ensure ample resources for all relevant families.

Two other significant achievements this session concern requirements for high school graduation and debt-free community college in Connecticut. Public Act 23-204 expands the eligibility of CT’s state debt-free community college program by removing the need to be a first-time enrollee and requiring awards be applied during the first 48 months of enrollment, extending benefits to returning students. Regarding high school graduation, Public Act 23-21 now requires a half-credit of personal financial management, responding to the desire to promote youth financial literacy.

Getting back to school can be stressful, however, following this session, I look forward to experiencing the benefits of this historic investment in statewide education. Don’t forget to take advantage of some great benefits right around the corner as we approach 2023 Tax Free Week (August 20-26).

Finally, please join me at my Family Legislative Update event from 12PM-1PM on Sunday, August 27^th at the Fowler Field Pavilion (1 Shipyard Ln, Milford, CT)! I look forward to highlighting other legislative concerns, important bills from this session, and donating some of my favorite children’s books, making it a great event for residents of all ages.

The legislative session may be over, but I am always looking to hear from you! I encourage you to reach out to me with your questions, ideas, and concerns by contacting me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or 860-240-8700. Don’t forget to visit RepKennedy.com or my Facebook Page for more frequent updates on events and more!