Bridgeport’s State House Delegation Secures $25 Million Extra For City Schools

The current session of the General Assembly that ends next week has proven historically fruitful as the city’s legislative delegation has jawboned an extra $25 million that City Hall insiders say will be invested into education to buoy the district’s financial challenges for the budget year commencing July 1.

This is happy news for the Board of Education and staff leadership in the short term anyway as they look to long-term financial stability,

For the past decade education advocates argue state funding of schools has not kept pace with inflation leading to draconian cuts. They also argue the state’s Education Cost Sharing formula unfairly shortchanges urban areas and must be overhauled.

Governor Ned Lamont has a formed a committee to examine the state’s funding formula.

Statement from Bridgeport’s State House delegation:

Representatives Chris Rosario (D-Bridgeport), Antonio Felipe (D-Bridgeport), Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport), Andre Baker, Jr. (D-Bridgeport), Fred Gee (D-Bridgeport), Marcus Brown (D-Bridgeport) and Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield) issued a statement on securing $25 million in additional state funding that is expected to be approved for Bridgeport.

“The Bridgeport House Democratic Legislative Delegation is pleased to announce that it has secured more than $25 million in additional funding for the City of Bridgeport, including critical support to help address the current budget shortfall facing Bridgeport Public Schools.

This funding reflects the House’s strong commitment to prioritizing education and delivering meaningful assistance to municipalities facing fiscal challenges. Through the focused and sustained advocacy of the Bridgeport House Democratic Legislative Delegation, in collaboration with colleagues across the caucus, this investment will provide much-needed relief to Bridgeport Public Schools and help stabilize the city’s finances.

Bridgeport has been called fiscally irresponsible for years. We say math tells a different story. Additional funding exists through a voluntary state oversight program – a chance to let the numbers speak for themselves.

The delegation extends its sincere appreciation to Speaker Matt Ritter for his leadership in advancing this funding plan, as well as to Governor Ned Lamont for his continued support.”