Rep. Pizzuto Backs $40M in Special Education Funding, Calls for Greater Action

HARTFORD— State Representative Bill Pizzuto (R-71) on Monday joined fellow Republicans in fighting to fully fund the special education Excess Cost Grant, a critical state funding source that helps municipalities manage the skyrocketing costs of providing intensive services to students with the greatest needs.

In an effort to deliver more relief to cities and towns, Rep. Pizzuto and House Republicans introduced an amendment to fully fund the grant—providing the $108 million necessary to get school districts through the fiscal year. Instead, Democrats advanced a bill that offered only $40 million, which will leave local leaders scrambling to cover the gap.

The Republican amendment was rejected along party lines in a 48-96 vote.

Despite the amendment’s failure, Rep. Pizzuto ultimately supported the $40 million measure, recognizing it as a necessary though insufficient step.

“This omnibus bill also included a new process for Emergency Certificate of Need Application process for transfers of ownership of hospitals that have filed for bankruptcy protection. I hope this helps with the Prospect Medical Holdings bankruptcy and sale of Waterbury Hospital, which remains in limbo,” said Rep. Pizzuto.

A state certificate of need (CON), must be granted by the state Office of Health Strategy (OHS) before any purchase or closure of a medical facility can take place.

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