Southington Receives Education Boost with Republican Budget

Hartford—State Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) today underscored the benefit the bipartisan Republican budget would bring to the state as a whole and for his hometown of Southington especially.

“This budget accomplishes three things I felt essential: it holds the line on taxes, maintains aid to municipalities, and preserves support for the elderly and disabled,” said Markley.  “Southington residents should be particularly pleased with the adjustments to the educational funding program, which work dramatically in our favor.

“Southington stands to gain nearly $2.5 million in education aid from the state under the Republican budget,” continued Markley. “Our caucus made it a priority to develop a fair education funding formula which would distribute state dollars fairly across all of Connecticut’s communities.”

The new Republican budget dedicates $33.6 million more to education statewide in fiscal year 2018 and $136.6 million more in fiscal year 2019. The budget includes a revised Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula which does not decrease aid to any town in the state.

“The Republican budget stands in stark opposition to the proposed Democrat budget which would cut Southington’s education funding by nearly $3 million,” continued Markley, “This represents nearly a $5.5 million difference between the two budgets. I urge all Southington residents to call Governor Malloy and tell him to sign this budget.  His alternative would force a huge property tax increase in our town.”

To call Governor Malloy during business hours dial 860-566-4840, or email him at [email protected].

Senator Markley represents the 16th Senate District, which includes Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Waterbury, and Wolcott. He can be reached at 800-842-1421 or at [email protected]. You can sign up for video updates at www.SenatorMarkley.com.