Connecticut House Bill HB05373

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/19
• Refer: 1/16/19

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

The proposed changes would amend sections 4-85 and 10-262i of the general statutes, providing a legal framework that guarantees towns their full education grants throughout the fiscal year. This could lead to a more consistent allocation of resources, allowing local governments to better plan their budgets and allocate funds for educational programs. Moreover, the bill addresses the vital issue of equitable funding across different towns, ensuring all receive the aid they need without unexpected cuts being imposed.

Summary

House Bill 5373 aims to safeguard the education funding provided to towns by prohibiting the executive branch from making any rescissions or reductions to the education cost-sharing grants that towns receive during a fiscal year. This legislation is a direct response to concerns over the unpredictability of funding caused by executive decisions that could negatively impact local education budgets. By ensuring that towns receive their entitled grants without fear of mid-year cuts, the bill seeks to enhance the financial stability of local education systems.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support from many legislators who advocate for stronger local education funding, it also raises potential points of contention regarding the balance of power between state and local governance. Critics might argue that by restricting the executive branch's ability to adjust funding in response to changing fiscal conditions, the state may not be able to respond effectively to budget crises. This tension highlights the ongoing debate about how best to manage education funding while ensuring that towns can operate effectively within their financial means.