Connecticut House Bill HB05078

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/12
• Refer: 2/15/12

Caption

An Act Lowering The Excess Cost Threshold For Special Education Costs.

Impact

The bill seeks to alleviate the local tax burden by shifting a greater proportion of special education funding responsibilities onto the state government. By lowering the threshold for reimbursement and eliminating the cap, the proposal intends to provide increased financial support to local education authorities. This change is expected to benefit districts struggling to cover the costs of special education, ultimately allowing for enhanced services for students requiring special assistance.

Summary

House Bill 05078 proposes to lower the excess cost threshold for reimbursements related to special education costs from four and one-half times the average per pupil cost down to three times the average per pupil cost. Furthermore, the bill aims to remove the current cap on these reimbursements, thereby ensuring that the state fully funds the applicable grants. This legislative initiative is viewed as a response to the financial pressures on local governments and school districts who are tasked with funding special education programs.

Contention

While the bill presents a solution aimed at reducing financial strain on local districts, there may be contention surrounding the implications for state budgets. Opponents could voice concerns regarding the sustainability of increased state funding for special education, and whether such a shift might lead to cuts in other areas of the education budget. Additionally, discussions may focus on the balance between local control and state intervention, as some may argue that local districts should retain more autonomy over budgetary decisions.