Connecticut House Bill HB05179

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

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 05179 would amend sections of the general statutes that currently allow the executive branch to adjust funding through rescissions. This change would represent a significant shift in the balance of power regarding budget management and control over municipal education funding. It aims to stabilize the financial planning for towns that rely on these education grants, ensuring predictability and consistent assurance of funds throughout the fiscal year. The bill reflects an effort to reinforce the importance of educational funding amidst fiscal uncertainties.

Summary

House Bill 05179 aims to provide a safeguard for towns regarding their education cost-sharing grants by prohibiting the executive branch from making rescissions or other reductions during a fiscal year. This bill is designed to ensure that municipalities receive the full education funding they are entitled to, preventing potential budget shortfalls that could harm educational services in the towns. The bill specifically seeks to amend existing statutes related to education funding to eliminate the power of the Governor to unilaterally cut these funds once the fiscal year has commenced.

Contention

There may be points of contention associated with the bill, particularly surrounding the implications of limiting the executive branch's ability to manage state funds. Supporters of the bill argue that safeguarding education funding is crucial for the wellbeing of municipalities and the education of children. Conversely, opponents may argue that such measures could hinder the state’s flexibility to respond to budgetary changes, potentially exacerbating budgetary constraints in other areas. The debate centers on the tension between ensuring adequate education funding and maintaining the necessary powers for fiscal oversight by the state government.