New ECS Funding Formula Needs to be Equitable
Historically, Hamden has been shortchanged by the state in terms of education aid and reimbursements for our non-taxable property. Educational Cost Sharing (ECS), which has underfunded Hamden for years—by nearly $18M annually—is now being forced to overhaul the formula it uses to determine the distribution of funds across the state. We need the new formula to distribute funds equitably, and to use metrics that truly reflect the student population of each town. Our reps and senators needs to voice strong support for a new education aid formula that sends more aid to towns that need it—like Hamden—and not to towns with mill rates lower than half of Hamden's.

More State Funding for Schools = Lower Mill Rate
Hamden funds its schools largely through property taxes, and currently our mill rate is 45—higher than New Haven and the 7th highest in the state. The town needs state aid to meet the needs of its student population (more than half of whom are on Medicaid; 17% receive special education services; nearly 10% are English Language Learners), and more state aid would allow Hamden to rely less on taxes to fund schools.

Continue Successful Alliance District Grant
2016-17 is the last year of a 5-year Alliance District Grant which has allowed for the implementation of programming that targets our most disadvantaged students, increase graduation rates, and offer quality preschool. We need our legislators to fight for a continuation of the additional $4M in Alliance District education aid that Hamden receives.

CONTACT OUR REPRESENTATIVES & SENATORS AND FIGHT FOR AID FOR HAMDEN!

Talking points:

1. We need a new, equitable formula for Educational Cost Sharing that reflects the student need of each town—which would enable Hamden to reduce the burden on tax payers.
2. We need continued financial support through the Alliance District Grant, which has been very successful.
3. We need to voice disapproval for the proposal of shifting teacher pensions to towns.

Representative Robyn Porter
robyn.porter@cga.ct.gov  Call 860-240-1371

Representative Josh Elliott
josh.elliott@cga.ct.gov  Call 860-240-1371

Representative Mike D'Agostino
michael.dagostino@cga.ct.gov  Call 860-230-9292

Senator Martin Looney (phone calls preferred)
martin.looney@cga.ct.gov  Call 860-240-0375 

Senator George Logan
george.logan@cga.ct.gov  Call 860-240-0558

Speaker Joe Aresimowicz
joe.aresimowicz@cga.ct.gov Call 860-240-8500

House Majority Leader Matthew Ritter
matthew.ritter@cga.ct.gov Call 860-240-8585