CLINTON, Conn. (WTNH) — People in some shoreline towns are worried that possible state budget cuts could hurt taxpayers and schools. State education funding may be cut to several shoreline towns, like Clinton and Westbrook.
Leaders and educators held a news conference this morning at Clinton Town Hall. Parents and community leaders came to express their concerns.
“The schools will be forced to make very difficult decisions, decisions that will ultimately lead to a lesser quality of education for their kids,” said State Senator Art Linares.
Clinton may face $1.5 million in cuts, and Westbrook nearly $250,000. Local property taxes may then go up too. State leaders are now calling for structural changes to the state budget.
“We have a democratic governor who’s saying education is not quite as important for every child, just for some,” said State Representative Noreen Kokoruda.
It’s too soon to know exactly how these possible budget cuts will impact schools. Local and state leaders are trying get the public involved and to raise awareness about the possible cuts. They’ve started a petition, and they’re hoping to get hundreds of people to sign it. But they don’t have a lot of time.
“We have a matter of weeks,” said State Representative Jesse MacLachlan. “The governor has released his budget yesterday evening and it’s a matter of negotiation as to what the final product is.”
Governor Dannel Malloy’s office says the new budget creates a more even distribution of education cost saving grants.
To view the petition: http://cthousegop.com/rep-maclachlans-petition-on-school-funding/
