Sen. Sampson Slams Democrats for Blocking $92 Million in Special Ed Funding to Relieve Taxpayers, Provide Needed Services

Supports GOP amendment for $92.2 million package, defeated by Senate Democrats

Senior Deputy Republican Leader Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) today commented on the majority Democrats’ failure to override Gov. Ned Lamont’s veto of H.B. 7163, instead convening a legislative session to implement an off-budget funding mechanism for the measure that funds the perpetually underfunded special education programs across Connecticut.

Last week, Sen. Sampson supported the original measure that provided $40 million to special education programs while adhering to budget guardrails. Today, he and Senate Republicans offered an amendment for a $92.2 million investment in the programs, while adhering to the state’s long-revered Republican budget guardrails and maintaining a stable budget.

The Republican amendment to H.B. 7163, which drew some Democrat support, was defeated.

“Last week, I joined my Republican colleagues to fund special education the responsible way. Today, we introduced and supported an amendment to provide $92 million for special education without budget gimmicks and within the fiscal guardrails. This is exactly what our towns have been asking for. We stood up for special education students, their families, and property taxpayers. But Democrats said ‘no’ in favor of a budget gimmick. They struck a backroom deal, pushing through a bill that circumvents the budget by creating an off-the-books account. Why have a spending cap if Democrats refuse to follow it?

“These gimmicks only lead to future tax hikes. I ask Governor Lamont to veto this bill that will set Connecticut down the wrong path,” he said.