DFER CT Responds to Proposed Appropriations Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 30, 2019

CONTACT: Amy Dowell | amy@dfer.org

DFER CT Responds to Proposed Appropriations Budget Urges Funding for District Regionalization Initiative

Today, Amy Dowell, State Director of Democrats for Education Reform CT and Education Reform Now CT, released the following statement in response to the release of the Appropriations Committee’s proposed budget:

“We are disappointed that the regionalization initiative was not funded in this proposed committee budget, though we recognize that this document will continue to evolve during the negotiation process. The debate around school district regionalization is an important one, and we strongly encourage the Governor and legislative leaders to restore funding in any budget moving forward this year. After all, everyone in Connecticut agrees that our state must find ways to be more efficient and more fair when it comes to how we provide services, and that is what should be at the core of this debate.

“To anyone who disagrees with the concept of combining administrative functions and non-instructional services, we urge them to offer real ideas, and not ‘just say no.’ Too many of the loudest voices just saying no in this debate are ironically coming from districts that can already afford to provide high quality schools. As opponents to these efforts look to launch political attacks on legislators, we stand ready to defend elected leaders who make progress for our state and students the top priority.”

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About Democrats for Education Reform CT

DFER CT is an organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates who are champions of public education. Education progressives, we’re building a pipeline of Democratic leaders who will improve our education system so that it better serves students and families. As part of realizing the American Dream, we advance policies and practices based on democratic values, with a goal of: increasing equity, protecting civil rights and the social safety net, and promoting great educational opportunities for all. DFER CT is the state chapter of a national political organization.