Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2021 legislative session is over and I am pleased to announce that the town of Hamden will receive significant funding under the state budget we approved. I am hopeful that these additional state funds, along with federal funds coming from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will help Hamden eliminate any deficit, keep a lid on tax increases, and ensure the town has a budget reserve. The federal funds in particular are a one-time infusion of funds in response to the pandemic and our local town officials must use the funds responsibly.
For Fiscal Year 22 (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) Hamden will receive $31,502,216 in total education aid, a $1.2 million increase from last year, and $32,746,979 for Fiscal Year 23, a $2.5 million increase from last year.
Hamden will also receive more than $6 million in “PILOT” funds in both fiscal years for a total of more than $12 million. This is a significant increase based on legislation we passed to fund fully the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program that reimburses the town for tax exempt property like that owned by Quinnipiac University.
In total, Hamden will receive $40,839,958 in state aid for Fiscal Year 22 - a $4.2 million increase from last year - and $42,084,721 for Fiscal Year 23 - a $5.5 million increase from last year.
I hope you will find this newsletter, which also highlights some of the other legislation we passed this year, informative. Please have a safe and happy summer.
KEY FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HAMDEN
As part of the ARPA funding, Hamden is also eligible to receive $23.6 million in federal funds to help with reimbursement costs associated with providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as offset lost tax revenue. The Mayor and Town Council need to cooperate with each other and apply for these funds in order for the town to receive them. In addition to those funds for the town, the Board of Education will receive an additional $10.3 million in federal pandemic-relief funds.
As a former Board of Education member, I know the BOE has always operated in a responsible, bipartisan manner. The Board has already applied for this funding and has a plan to use the funds in the areas of special education, social and emotional learning, before and after school programs, early childhood learning and family intervention programs, STEM programs and credit recovery programs for high school students. I applaud the BOE’s planning and efforts in this regard.
HAMDEN STATE AID
| FY 22 | FY 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Education Aid | $31,502,216 | $32,746,979 |
| Non-Education Aid | $9,337,742 | $9,337,742 |
| Total State Aid to Hamden | $40,839,958 | $42,084,721 |
GOOD NEWS FOR HAMDEN SCHOOLS
Working closely with Senator Looney, we secured an unexpected additional $500,000 in funding for our Board of Education, which will use the funds for:
- Before and After School Programming and support for 350 free and reduced lunch eligible children to provide (1) social and emotional wellbeing instruction; (2) acclimation to school climate programming; and (3) make up for learning loss due to COVID-19.
- Pre-K Programming: Support for Hamden town-wide Pre-K plan. Funding for additional Pre-K slots and Pre-K programming to close the achievement gap.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING
I am pleased to report that our schools have also been awarded $4,269,674 in grant funding for renovation projects at two of Hamden’s oldest elementary schools.
- West Woods Elementary School was awarded $1,724,288 for a roof replacement, and $1,090,363 for window replacements.
- Dunbar Hill Elementary School was awarded $1,315,304 for a roof replacement, and $139,719 for window replacements.
Securing such funding for our school has always been a top priority of mine and I was happy to assist in these efforts. These funds will provide the financial assistance needed to complete these necessary updates for two of our most in-need of repair elementary schools. As a former Board of Education member and, of course, as a town taxpayer, I know how critical this funding is to make sure the repairs get made while also not imposing the cost on the town.
GROWING CT’S ECONOMY
- Expanding access to Broadband internet with grants to towns and requiring internet providers to cover part of the state’s costs
- Cut red tape and made outdoor dining a permanent option for bars and restaurants, and also continue to allow alcohol to-go and delivery sales
STANDING UP FOR SENIORS
- Allowed towns to offer more seniors a break on their property taxes and protected the income tax exemption phase-out on retirement income
- Ensured access to virtual visits and monitoring for families of nursing home residents
- Fought age discrimination in the workplace by limiting the need to list age and other dates on job applications
FIGHTING FOR EQUITY
- Passed Clean Slate legislation by erasing most misdemeanor crimes after 7 years and lesser felonies after 10 years
- Funded community violence prevention programs to serve more victims of gun violence and their families
- Legalization of Adult Use of Cannabis with a goal towards equity and allowing for erasure of past marijuana convictions
IMPROVING HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
- Provided new health care coverage to 40,000 low-income residents and families regardless of immigration status
- Declared racism a public health crisis and created a Commission on Racial Equity tasked with eliminating health disparities
- Continued coverage for, and access to, telehealth consultations