FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Flawed Legislation Highlights “Missed Opportunity” for Education in Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2023

Media Contact:
Laura Parete
860-874-5182
[email protected]

Flawed Legislation Highlights “Missed Opportunity” for Education in Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) expressed disappointment in the passage of legislation that imposes unfunded mandates on municipalities, adds more restrictions on teachers, and lacks an emphasis on boosting student achievement.

Sen. Kelly said, “I was hopeful and optimistic to work towards providing equal and comprehensive access to education for all children in Connecticut. While this bill offers several good policies, it missed a major opportunity to support education in Connecticut.” Sen. Kelly continued, “No child in Connecticut should be left behind. Every student must have a constitutionally protected education. Unfortunately, this legislation misses that opportunity.”

“Constituents and municipal leaders aren’t asking for more bureaucracy, red tape, and administrative functions. We need more teachers in schools and students reading at grade level.

They deserve to be able to focus on enriching lives and improving students’ performance.”

“45% of CT students didn’t read at grade level before COVID. According to the Center for Educational Policy Research at Harvard University, between 2019 and 2022, Connecticut students lost on average seven months of math and four months of reading instruction. Reading, writing, math, and science are the basics on which all education is built.”

“The families I talk to in the 21st District want their children to receive a great education, be in a safe school environment, and be challenged to reach their full potential. The residents in my district do not want more unnecessary financial burdens. The people of Connecticut deserve tax relief and not continued distress during a financially difficult time for many.

“Here’s what we do need in education: We need more paraprofessionals. We need more special education teachers. We need to let teachers teach. We need our teachers to be supported by administrators when dealing with student disciplinary matters. We also need parents and guardians to play active and supportive roles in their children’s education.”

“All students in our state deserve a better chance to learn, excel, be enriched, and live out their best hopes and dreams. Sadly, this bill does not accomplish that.”

To learn more about Sen. Kelly, please visit www.SenatorKevinKelly.com.

*Sen. Kelly represents the 21st District of Stratford, Shelton, Seymour, and Monroe.

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Laura Parete
Director of Digital Communications
Senate Republican Office
Email: [email protected]