Connecticut Senate Bill SB00046

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/22
• Refer: 2/15/22

Caption

An Act Concerning The Excess Cost Grant Reimbursement Threshold.

Impact

Under the proposed tiered system, school districts will be eligible for reimbursement at different levels depending on their per capita net equalized grand list. Specifically, the reimbursement rates are set to be lower for wealthier towns and higher for those with less property wealth. This change aims to address disparities in how educational costs are borne by communities and ensure that districts with fewer resources can adequately support their special education programs. As a result, the bill could improve educational outcomes in underfunded districts by providing them with more state aid.

Summary

SB00046, titled 'An Act Concerning The Excess Cost Grant Reimbursement Threshold', proposes significant changes to the existing framework for funding special education in Connecticut. The bill seeks to amend section 10-76g of the general statutes by increasing the total appropriation for the excess cost grant and introducing a tiered reimbursement threshold based on the property wealth of a town. This new approach aims to provide a more equitable distribution of state funds for education, especially in districts with varying financial capabilities.

Contention

While supporters of SB00046 argue that the tiered funding model will lead to a fairer allocation of resources for special education, there are concerns regarding whether the financial limits being proposed are sufficient to meet the needs of all students requiring special services. Critics may assert that the new thresholds could still leave some districts struggling to find adequate funding without burdening taxpayers excessively. The discussion around this bill involves balancing the state's financial capabilities against the immediate needs of the education system and ensuring that all districts can provide quality education to their students.