Rep. Henry Genga joins his colleagues in announcing that they have obtained an additional $915,000 for the East Hartford school system in the new state budget approved earlier this month. The extra funding will help the town because of its inordinate percentage of students who attend magnet schools outside of East Hartford.

Last Friday night, the House approved the needed adjustments to the FY2017 budget that closed the deficit through spending cuts, without raising taxes, borrowing, or tapping the Rainy Day Fund. I had anticipated providing you with an update and overview, but with the state bonding bill and the Governor's Second Chance 2.0 legislation impacting the budget, I will provide an update after these bills come before us for a vote.

The increasing cost of special education has placed a strain on many school budgets, especially Bridgeport’s. We are confident that a regional special education school can improve education outcomes for many students.

A Waterbury teacher, who as a teenage mother considered dropping out of school, is named the 2016 National Teacher of the Year.

I am pleased to announce that we have narrowed the achievement gap! Under the CK3LI (CT Kindergarten through 3 Learning Initiative) reading program, the Norris and Langford Elementary Schools have more than doubled the number of students meeting grade literacy level goals.

Great news for a great organization. A grant will benefit Waterbury's Girls, Inc.

This week the House of Representatives passed legislation to allow limited use of medical marijuana for children. I’m proud to support this legislation, HB 5450, which will help children with serious medical conditions.

The Jewish Federation of Connecticut held an Interfaith Hunger Seder in the Old Judiciary Room at the State Capitol.