Connecticut House Bill HB05841

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Rental Assistance For Certain Families Of Students In A School Choice Program.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05841 would directly affect title 8 of the general statutes related to rental assistance in Connecticut. The amendment would create a reserved program for rental assistance certificates specifically designed for those families with children in school choice programs. This change could potentially increase access to education for students by allowing them to live closer to their schools, thereby reducing commute times and enhancing their overall educational experience.

Summary

House Bill 05841 proposes to amend the rental assistance program in Connecticut to focus on families of students enrolled in a school choice program. The primary intention of the bill is to facilitate the relocation of these families into the municipalities where the students' schools are situated, particularly if they are facing financial challenges that prevent them from affording rent in those areas. This legislation aims to help ensure that students can attend the schools of their choice without the barrier of housing affordability impacting their residency.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide much-needed support for low-income families, it may also raise points of contention regarding the allocation of rental assistance resources. There could be debates on prioritization, with some arguing that existing assistance programs should first serve all low-income families, regardless of their children's educational choices. Furthermore, there might be concerns about the fiscal implications of expanding the rental assistance program and whether it would lead to adequate housing stock availability within municipalities.