Connecticut House Bill HB06078

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/13
• Refer: 1/25/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Educational Opportunities For Children In Public Housing.

Impact

If passed, HB 6078 would amend existing general statutes to hold entities accountable for performance goals linked to the demographics of local school districts. This move is intended to foster equitable education for low-income students receiving state or federal housing assistance, ensuring that they are not confined to underperforming schools due to their socioeconomic status. By emphasizing the connection between housing location and educational quality, the bill aims to facilitate a more integrated school system that aligns with the Sheff v. O'Neill court mandate for racial and economic diversity.

Summary

House Bill 6078 seeks to address educational opportunities for children residing in public housing in Connecticut. The proposed legislation outlines an affirmative duty for entities that participate in programs overseen by state housing agencies. It aims to enhance access for these children to high-quality, low-poverty schools, thereby promoting their educational outcomes and long-term success. The bill emphasizes the importance of both developing new low-income housing in high-opportunity areas and creating robust housing mobility programs to assist families in racially concentrated areas to transition voluntarily to more favorable neighborhoods.

Contention

However, the bill is not without contention. Critics may argue that establishing performance goals tied to state aid could create undue pressure on housing entities and might not address the deeper systemic issues contributing to educational inequalities. There is also potential concern regarding the feasibility of developing housing in high-opportunity areas, especially in terms of market dynamics and availability of resources. Furthermore, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of the proposed solutions in truly facilitating long-term change within the educational landscape for residents of public housing.