State Senator Herron Gaston writes in the commentary that follows, “Now more than ever, we must collectively fight to ensure that every child in America has access to a quality and competent education, regardless of what they look like, where they come from — or what Washington, D.C. bureaucrats try to do.”
As the Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This holy passage rings especially true in these troubling and uncertain times for education in our country. We recognize that investing in our children’s future will ensure their success, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.
I know firsthand the importance of adequately funding education services, especially in my hometown of Bridgeport, which is Connecticut’s largest city with 148,000 residents and more than 20,000 students in 36 schools. About 90% of our students receive free or reduced-price meals, 30% are learning English, and 20% receive special education services. There are many challenges, including — and especially — money.
Last fall, Bridgeport school officials announced a $32 million projected school budget deficit for 2025. The state has stepped in to offer guidance, and already a combination of downsizing and reevaluating all positions, programs, and services has saved $12 million.
But with this budget shortfall, it has led to cuts in staff and programs. The Connecticut Department of Education is now stepping in, planning a forensic audit to investigate the root causes of the deficit and improve transparency, as local officials pursue their own audit efforts. This investigation underscores the critical need for robust funding and accountability in our schools to ensure that Bridgeport’s children receive the quality education they deserve.
Also, with the Democrat’s recent passage of $40 million in additional state funding for special education excess costs (this is on top of the $181 million in state special education aid already budgeted for 2025), I hope Bridgeport will receive more than a million dollars more this spring to help with the cost of expensive and unpredictable special education services.
But that good news has been overshadowed by President Donald Trump, who recently froze millions of dollars in federal education aid in Connecticut, including a $700,000 cut to Bridgeport. Trump’s draconian cuts undermine the future of Connecticut’s students by diminishing access to quality learning opportunities while recklessly prioritize short-term financial savings over long-term investments in the intellectual growth and development of young people. I’m outraged, but I’m motivated at the same time.
While my Republican colleagues in the state legislature spend much of their time repeating political talking points out of Washington, D.C., Gov. Ned Lamont, Senate President Martin Looney and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter said they knew that President Trump would make cuts to health care for our most vulnerable, to infrastructure improvements, to public safety, and to our children’s education — they just didn’t know how fast and how severe. They remind us that Connecticut has one of the healthiest “Rainy Day Fund” budget reserves in the nation, and that it will come in handy if more federal aid to Connecticut is held back.
With that in mind, it’s a little reassuring to know that our students in Bridgeport, and in every single town across Connecticut, will be secure. And as state budget deliberations continue, I’m committed to securing additional state funding for Bridgeport’s schools, with a focus on improving educational outcomes and supporting Bridgeport’s teachers.
So, as we continue to navigate this year of so many surprises and unknowns, one thing remains certain: my commitment to fighting for quality education. In these trying times, I won’t depart from my mission of fighting for education funding to create the strong foundation upon which our future depends. I’ll continue to raise my voice and vehemently oppose any reckless measure that undermines the education of our students.
Now more than ever, we must collectively fight to ensure that every child in America has access to a quality and competent education, regardless of what they look like, where they come from — or what Washington, D.C. bureaucrats try to do.
