Common Sense Matters: Investing in Our Schools

Fighting for Fair Education Funding in the 35th District

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As your State Senator, one of my top priorities this legislative session is ensuring that every child in the 35th District has access to good, public education opportunities. Investing in our public schools is not just about today—it’s about securing a brighter future for our students, supporting our teachers, and strengthening our communities.

Yet, Governor Lamont’s proposed state budget takes us in the wrong direction. His plan cuts millions from public education, stripping critical resources from schools across our district. The loss of this funding would mean larger class sizes, fewer programs, and increased financial strain on towns already struggling to balance their budgets. This is absolutely unacceptable.

I have made it my mission to fight these cuts and protect our schools.

In 2023, I worked in a bipartisan manner to secure the “hold harmless” provision in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants, ensuring that towns wouldn’t see reductions in funding. Now, with the Governor’s proposal to eliminate this safeguard, 11 of our 13 towns would lose over $4 million—a devastating blow to students, teachers, and local taxpayers.

That’s why I introduced S.B. 591, which would make the “hold harmless” provision permanent in state law. Over the past two years, this provision has kept more than $3 million in our district’s schools. Without it, towns like Stafford, Tolland, and Coventry would each lose over half a million dollars in education funding by 2027. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s an attack on our children’s future.

Education is too important to be placed on the chopping block. I am working closely with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop a fair, sustainable funding model that prioritizes students first. I will not stop fighting to ensure that the state keeps its commitment to our schools, our families, and our communities. I have communicated this to town officials and I am working with them. I endeavor to work in a bipartisan way to get things done. Public education is a non-political thing.

UPCOMING OFFICE HOURS: MEET ME IN ELLINGTON

I want to hear from you! Join me for my legislative office hours in Ellington, CT on Feb, 19. Look below for additional dates in all other towns across the district—I look forward to meeting with you, hearing your concerns, and working together to make Connecticut a better place to live.

UPCOMING OFFICE HOURS IN FEBRUARY

It’s an honor to serve you. I will continue to fight for common-sense policies that lower costs, strengthen our schools, and make Connecticut more affordable. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out—I’m here to help.

Warm regards,
Senator Jeff Gordon
District 35, Woodstock