Legislators are back in Hartford today, and Governor Ned Lamont kicked off the 2026 legislative session, which runs until May 6, with his State of the State Address before the joint chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly.
Acknowledging the chaos the government shutdown last fall and ICE actions have brought to communities across the country, particularly Minneapolis, Lamont said, “I feel fortunate to be in Connecticut and I hope that you do too. We were a birthplace of freedom. Four signers of the Declaration of Independence, penning the words that we live by: ‘All men (and women) are created equal.’ These words should still be our north star 250 years later. I live by these founding words as I think about our values and our budget.”
Among the education proposals in the governor’s proposed budget is a Blue Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education to evaluate the Education Cost Sharing and other education funding grants, build on our special education reforms, ensure more resources go directly to the classroom, and explore ways districts can better share services.
In his address, Lamont supported CEA’s efforts to ensure fewer distractions for students with phone-free schools legislation.
“Connecticut was a leader in getting these phones out of the classroom,” he said. “Let’s go one step further—no phones bell to bell in any of our schools, and let’s work with our neighboring states in requiring that no child under the age of 18 has access to these dangerous [social media] apps without parental permission.”
Lamont also proposed further eliminating application fees for select professions including those for professional educator certificates and cross endorsement certificates that currently cost teachers $375 and $100 respectively.
His budget proposal funds free school breakfast for all Connecticut students and expands free lunches to those students who qualify for reduced-price lunches. The proposal includes investments in literacy coaches, education apprenticeships, and students’ behavioral health. Unfortunately, these investments are paired with cuts to state funding for magnet school tuition, which would shift that burden back onto towns.
“Educators welcome having a voice on the Blue Ribbon Commission as it works to update the Education Cost Sharing formula, provide more resources directly to classrooms, and build on special education reforms,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “But the reality is that our districts are struggling now and can’t wait. We are hopeful that the legislature will act this session to ease the growing financial burden caused by rising costs that are straining so many districts. We strongly encourage the state to maintain its commitment to funding magnet school tuition and not shift the burden onto our already struggling cities and towns.”
She continued, “While we agree that Connecticut has among the best schools and educators in the country and appreciate the shoutout, we also need investments that keep us at the top. We look forward to working with policymakers on bold actions to address the educator shortage, improve recruitment and retention, ensure educators are treated fairly and professionally, and compensated competitively so that they can stay in the classroom and help students thrive.”
Beyond education, some of Lamont’s other proposals include investments in universal preschool, housing, and a $200 per taxpayer or $400 per family one-time tax rebate for individuals earning less than $200,000 and families earning less than $400,000.
Connecticut is a very safe state, Lamont said, but “ICE is just the opposite. They see the world as us versus them. They are not trained to deescalate—they are barely trained at all. They hide behind a mask, they come to Connecticut—and Minneapolis—to arrest people outside of schools or courthouses, often based upon the color of their skin. Some of our Hispanic kids are scared to go to school. Those kids at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven—we call them Dreamers; The White House calls them criminal aliens.”
He added, “Connecticut is protecting our schools and courthouses, where people go not to break the law but because they are following the law. ICE, everywhere you go uninvited, violence follows. Go home. We are keeping Connecticut safe without you.”
CEA’s Legislative Proposals
This legislative session CEA will continue our push for policy changes that uplift educators and grow the teaching profession. These include efforts to ensure fairness and protections for educators, recruit and retain teachers, promote successful school communities, ensure municipal accountability, and provide equity and pension security to teachers in retirement.
Check out the full list of CEA’s Legislative Priorities.
“We will be a strong presence at the State Capitol this session, helping our members engage with their elected officials, tell their stories, and testify in support of education-friendly bills,” Dias says. “Together we will make these priorities a reality.”
As the session gets underway, the legislature’s Education, Finance, Children’s, and Appropriations Committees and others will discuss various proposals of interest to educators. Public hearings will take place through March.
Dias urges CEA members to share their stories directly with legislators during these hearings.
“Without teachers voicing loud and clear support for their goals, lawmakers may not give them the priority they deserve. Legislators take notice of who comes to the Capitol to speak with them, and they pay attention to issues that their constituents call, email, and write about.”
One of the first opportunities for CEA members to get involved with the legislative process this session comes this Saturday, February 7, when CEA is hosting our annual Breakfast with Legislators at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Register to join us.
“We look forward to working with Governor Lamont and our elected officials to elevate education this legislative session,” Dias says.
