Connecticut House Bill HB06221

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

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

Impact

The introduction of HB 06221 would amend existing statutes related to education funding under sections 4-85 and 10-262i of the general statutes. By specifically legislating that the executive branch is unable to make cuts to these grants, the bill serves to safeguard financial support for town education budgets, aligning state fiscal policy in favor of protecting local educational resources during uncertain fiscal periods. This change would benefit towns reliant on these grants for their education budgets, providing them with increased predictability and planning certainty.

Summary

House Bill 06221 aims to secure education cost-sharing grants for towns by prohibiting rescissions or reductions to these grants by the executive branch during the fiscal year. This legislative proposal addresses concerns over budget cuts that can affect local education funding, thereby ensuring that towns receive the full amount of state support they are entitled to within a fiscal year. By solidifying this funding, the bill seeks to enhance budget stability for local education systems and protect them from mid-year fiscal adjustments that could arise from executive decisions.

Contention

There are potential contentions surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government. Opponents may argue that this bill removes necessary flexibility from the executive branch to manage budgetary constraints which could arise during an economic downturn. Additionally, discussions may occur surrounding the implications of government commitment to education funding, as some may view this as a step towards broader budgetary rigidity that limits the ability of future administrations to adapt to changing circumstances. The bill reflects growing concerns about the security of state funding for education amid broader budgetary pressures.