Connecticut House Bill HB05071

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Executive Branch From Making Rescissions Or Other Reductions To A Town's Education Cost-sharing Grant During The Fiscal Year.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05071 would provide increased financial stability to towns' education systems by guaranteeing that the funds allocated for education cost-sharing grants cannot be rescinded or retracted once allocated. This measure is seen as vital to maintaining consistent educational services within communities, allowing local governments to plan more effectively with a guaranteed budget. Proponents of the bill argue that it addresses concerns regarding improper fiscal management and aids in promoting a more secure educational environment.

Summary

House Bill 05071 is an act aimed at protecting education funding at the local level by prohibiting the executive branch from making rescissions or any reductions to a town's education cost-sharing grant during the fiscal year. The bill specifically targets sections of state law (4-85 and 10-262i) that govern education finance, ensuring that cities and towns receive the funds they are entitled to under existing statutes. This legislation has been introduced to safeguard local educational institutions against unexpected funding cuts mid-year, which could disrupt their operational budgets and educational programs.

Contention

The act may face resistance from those who argue that it limits the executive branch's ability to make necessary budget adjustments in response to changing financial circumstances. Critics may contend that the bill could hinder the government's flexibility to respond to broader fiscal challenges and emergencies that could arise during a fiscal year. There is a concern that, in certain circumstances, maintaining a rigid funding structure could negatively impact the state's overall budget and its ability to allocate resources effectively across various sectors, not just education.