Connecticut
CT’s new special education committee wraps up statewide listening sessions
Connecticut’s newly formed Select Committee on Special Education is wrapping up its statewide listening tour as parents and education advocates listed a litany of ongoing issues, from early placement to lack of special education teachers.
The criticism comes as members of the state legislature prepare to request more special education funding for this year’s budget session.
State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox,a democrat, representing Bridgeport, Trumbull and Monroe, is the co-chair. Gadkar-Wilcox says many parents have complained their children’s schools are not adequately placing them in specialized classes.
“Sometimes students have not been identified for placement in specialization education,” Gadkar-Wilcox said. “Sometimes we have situations where we have language learners that if we had better early intervention programs, they would not be misidentified.”
One such parent, Tara Mientus, an educator who declined to say where she worked, spoke at the final listening session in Hartford Thursday and has a daughter with double deficit dyslexia.
“If she had gotten her diagnosis earlier, she would have been able to probably meet remediation and close the gap,” Mathis said. “And currently she is not closing the gap, and she is entering ninth grade, and this is very concerning.”
Governor Ned Lamont proposed a $54 million increase earlier this month but Gadkar-Wilcox said it only begins to address the problem.
“Every advocate and superintendent and Board of Ed will tell you that, even though it sounds like a lot, $54 million is not a lot, even to account for the deficit of the costs that have already been spent,” she said.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
Lamont’s office was reached for comment but did not respond by Thursday evening.
Gadkar-Wilcox says part of the reason why the $54 million doesn’t solve the issue, is the high transportation costs associated with busing students outside their districts, as a result of the schools not having the capacity to provide the required services.
CT Mirror previously reported the proposal would only take place starting 2026, as advocates worry about reduced federal investments.
Gadkar-Wilcox said members of the committee will soon start working on negotiation efforts during the state’s budget session. Parents have also called for the state to implement a special education ombudsman to facilitate discussions between state officials and parents.
Tom Cosker lives in Rocky Hill and said his child has multiple disabilities and has been positively impacted by being able to learn within his regular school, among peers.
“What we’re looking for is to really reduce the reliance on outplacements of students with special education needs, both from a cost savings, but more importantly, just from keeping our students included in their home district,” Cosker said.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Lawmakers put aside politics on Monday for a good cause, going head-to-head on the field.
Democrats took on Republicans in the Fifth Annual CGA Kickball Classic at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. All ticket sales go towards charity, with this year’s recipient being United Way of Connecticut.
The Democrats won for the second year in a row, the Republicans had a three-year win streak previously.
“It’s great, especially because we’re coming into the real heat of the legislative session, so it’s a lot of fun to be out here,” State Rep. Jason Doucette (D) said. “We have a fun time with our friends across the aisle.”
“United Way is a great organization, a statewide organization, and all of our local United Ways,” Former House Minority Leader Themis Klarides (R) said. “Especially in this day and age, people need so much help just for their everyday activities and keeping their families going, so we’re just really proud to have them be our charity this year.”
Lawmakers on both sides encouraged Connecticut residents to support their local United Way organization however they can.
Connecticut
This CT city is one of the ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US,’ according to Livability
Livability released its annual list of small to mid-sized cities throughout the nation where residents can “truly thrive,” according to its website. Livability analyzed more than 100 data points in eight essential categories to measure a city’s overall health and “fun factor.”
The Fairfield County city was named to the list for being “home to a charming downtown, excellent schools, an arts community” and its proximity to New York City.
Danbury ranked high for its health, safety and amenities such as dining variety and access to parks and museums. Livability highlighted places in the city such as Danbury Museum, Railway Museum, Danbury Music Centre, Ives Concert Park, The Palace Danbury, Aldrich Museum, Danbury Ice Arena, Thrillz Park, Tarrywile Park and the Danbury Fair Mall.
Some of Livability’s top reasons to move to Danbury include the city being a “commuter’s dream,” as it is 50 miles from New York City and an hour from Hartford. The website also stated that Danbury is “affordable” compared to other Connecticut cities, with a median home value of $417,303, an average household income of $91,100 and median monthly rent of $1,679.
Livability also described Danbury as a “regional powerhouse for retail and health care” and stated that it was “one of the most diverse cities in the country” for its culinary and cultural scenes.
Danbury previously was named to Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” list in 2024 and 2025.
A person was found dead on Westland Street in Hartford on Sunday, according to Hartford Police.
The person was found dead in a wooded area on Westland Street.
Police said there is no foul play suspected at this time.
The investigation is currently ongoing.
There is no other information at this time.
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