Senator McLachlan Urges Restoration of Education Funding

State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-24) today joined fellow legislators in support of a plan to restore nearly $20 million in education money to municipalities. The proposal also eliminates this year’s projected budget deficit.

“School districts in Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield, and Sherman were shocked when they learned midway through the year that they would not get all of the state funding they expected,” Sen. McLachlan said. “You can’t change the rules in the middle of the game and expect a positive outcome.”

Legislative Senate and House Republicans proposed budget cuts to restore $18.9 million in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) money and eliminate the $11.9 million budget deficit estimated by the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

Sen. McLachlan said budgetary sleight of hand, like Governor Malloy’s mid-year cuts to local communities, create instability that could lead to property tax increases. It also makes businesses question the economic health of the state.

“ECS funding was promised to these towns and they created their budgets based on that promise,” he said. “We’re talking about funding our children’s education, not playing a game of three-card Monte.”

Sen. McLachlan said legislators from both parties should work together to restore education funding as quickly as possible.

Sen. McLachlan represents the communities of Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield, and Sherman.