[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6659219,"mediaKeyId","2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17","parentId",2472403,"title","Board warns adding nongovernmental groups like CIAC/CAS risks TRS tax‑qualified status; Hamden Children's Center slated for sunset in bill","audioSeconds",444,"startMs",772000,"endMs",1216000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17&start=772&end=1216","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17/thumbnail_772000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6659219/Connecticut/Board-warns-adding-nongovernmental-groups-like-CIACCAS-risks-TRS-taxqualified-status-Hamden-Childrens-Center-slated-for-sunset-in-bill","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659219-a8a69f9cad35343fff9f2b834cf30bce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152241&Signature=E-qGdIEaSDAnjrX7gbft7QG3GLk4jYCF40rZnGi5d196VFOwKuH255zcrEqMAAahvne5JHfW4RYhenupUF~PFXbK4e7JvFCYib3hRAbUFIe9LIoa1SGSjsZGKncv5snFtnyR0OBA5xPQ~K1ZqbDRCg1-xq2ZDqHsONXs6uEmleaoxmE1ZMzrsQEN~KSTMR8rN90NR~LUDZ3LEO~PIi4uIyJL1WUbqdTeJLAEX4Q9Ao4p-cb2cDHM-KlpnUo~1FyX9IHVfim8Hwk8~0uk7CZO3O6YrPPvTzWDq5~v5PDaChvvoEInh2FXynZxYF1jRmeSntCzJ0-Ckcq1KYP1zzVlpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Connecticut State Legislature","date","2025-03-03T18:47:16.337Z","article","Teachers' Retirement Board representatives told the Appropriations subcommittee that nonprofit associations such as CIAC (the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) and CAS (the Connecticut Association of Schools) are ineligible to participate in the state's tax‑qualified Teachers' Retirement System and said allowing them to remain could risk the plan’s qualification under federal tax rules.

“CIAC…are nongovernmental entities, so they do not qualify to participate in the teacher's pension plan,” Helen said. She added the organizations “do not meet any of the criteria of the IRS guidelines to participate. They would risk the disqualification of the plan for our members, and that would cost…members millions of dollars, should that happen.”

Bruce, the board's pension attorney, explained the mechanics to legislators: if the Teachers' Retirement System were found not to be a governmental plan for federal tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Code and related IRS rules would impose funding, vesting and distribution requirements it does not currently meet. He said disqualification would trigger immediate taxable treatment for vested participants and could expose the plan to ERISA fiduciary requirements that currently do not apply to the governmental plan.

Committee members discussed one specific remaining nongovernmental participant: Hamden Children's Center. Board staff said the center was added to TRS in February 2005 and that the board has been working to eliminate nongovernmental participants over the past seven years. Helen said the agency's package seeks to “sunset” Hamden Children's Center effective July 1, 2025, if the bill is enacted. Staff reported about 23 active members and “maybe 8 retirees” associated with the Hamden Children's Center and said the members already in the system “won't be harmed, but there'll be no new membership.”

Why it matters: officials said continuing to allow nongovernmental participants substantially increases the risk that the plan’s tax‑qualified status could be reviewed by the IRS or Department of Labor, as has occurred in other jurisdictions. Bruce cited a prior Rhode Island case in which federal review challenged a plan and the state “lost” that litigation, which he said shows the risk is real if not immediate.

Legislators asked about the practical consequences for individuals who move between government and nonprofit roles. Helen and Bruce told senators that individuals would not lose past service credit or pension accruals already earned, but the plan must avoid admitting organizations that could change its federal status.

Committee members requested additional information about how many staff at CIAC/CAS would qualify for TRS membership if the statutory standards for service and certification were applied and asked the board for follow‑up detail on the Hamden Children's Center membership counts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Approps Elementary & Secondary Ed Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","Teachers' Retirement Board staff told the Appropriations subcommittee that adding nonprofit groups such as CIAC and CAS to the Teachers' Retirement System could jeopardize the plan’s tax‑qualified status under federal law and that the board seeks to remove remaining nongovernmental entities, including Hamden Children's Center.","taxTitle","Appropriations, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Connecticut","taxId",15021,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659223,"Retirement board says proposed cut to state subsidy won’t immediately affect retired teachers but will draw on health fund",528,58000,586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17&start=58&end=586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17/thumbnail_58000.jpg","/articles/6659223/Connecticut/Retirement-board-says-proposed-cut-to-state-subsidy-wont-immediately-affect-retired-teachers-but-will-draw-on-health-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659223-15a6746f6bc6b773b3cdf5e6c16a7b69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152241&Signature=VqJMrT0EKXxVYTlbhGj7lHANMh2QBiLooG2gaX5zBvZ6pCY~pQdW84mKvEvEh7Ov~~lftYs5Icu0JB4OArB0icJ1cs8RrJFD-dghcuh7SmdRc26qK7xgbZRFF9m92OK~vEApuEYMrrXeixf8e4sRPEhpySkOifhPBkNCFadZNsse5SL6hczDgpbGCrbkzzGFHCuvo9pAM1k7H6Sf1Em41yMVuIupPL8NKvBulNLwtyZEr3KGGFJgipq10Iy7miw7Fp2Q8nru5bhZpWBA7MVYY7GrCJR5v1evuaNF-TVkv7ELkH-15bJMyzXOdJXoT5KJG8rXIiUFnWclv0gEst7H8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Rep. Tammy Exum, chairing the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, heard on Wednesday that a proposed Office of Policy and Management change to reduce the state's contribution to retired teachers' health coverage from one-third to one-quarter in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 would not immediately increase retirees' out‑of‑pocket costs.

Helen, a representative of the Teachers' Retirement Board, told the subcommittee that “there'll be no impact to the teachers, Senator Austin, our retirees. That they'll still have that one‑third covered.” She said the health fund would “use the difference between the one‑third and the one‑quarter of the fund to maintain that one‑third contribution for the retirees in budget year 26/27.”

The board provided numbers to illustrate the near‑term fiscal effect: an estimated $13 million in the first year and $15 million in the second year of the proposed change. Board staff reported the Teachers' health fund balance at about $270,000,000 as of Jan. 31 of the current year and said the two‑year draw would lower the balance by roughly $28 million under the board’s basic projections, which were prepared by the plan’s healthcare vendor, Siegel.

Why it matters: board officials and senators said the change would not immediately shift costs to retired teachers because the fund would make up the difference, but they warned that reducing the state contribution increases reliance on the fund’s assets and could create an operating loss in 2027 under current projections. Helen and fiscal staff stressed that projections include many variables — claims, premiums, market changes and effects from federal law — and are not guarantees.

Bruce, identified in the hearing as the pension attorney, and board staff referenced recently received OPEB actuarial work prepared under Governmental Accounting Standards Board guidance (GASB Statements 74 and 75). Helen said those reports indicate the plan “is solvent, based on the OPEB reports,” but cautioned that changes such as those produced by the Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare policy shifts could alter costs going forward. Board staff noted that CMS issues a “call letter” each year outlining Medicare changes that can affect retiree benefit costs.

Senator Austin pressed for historical context; board staff reminded the panel that between 2010 and 2018 the health fund was “not funded or funded sporadically,” which contributed to severe fiscal strain and near‑bankruptcy of the retired teachers’ health plan. Board staff said prior changes, including a 2018 introduction of a Medicare Advantage option and other benefit adjustments, produced large savings — staff cited roughly $144 million in identified savings from actions taken in 2022 and earlier.

Committee members asked follow‑up questions about the actuarial and GASB reports, how OPEB reporting differs from funding ratios, and what assumptions underlie the board’s projections. Board staff repeatedly emphasized uncertainty: “we use some basic projections, which have not been confirmed in the market,” one speaker said, noting that premiums and federal policy changes for 2026 remain unknown.

Looking ahead: committee members asked the board to provide more granular actuarial detail and comparisons (including funded‑ratio context) and to identify risks tied to shifts in federal Medicare policy. No formal committee action or vote was recorded during the discussion.","Teachers' Retirement System officials told the Appropriations subcommittee that a proposed Office of Policy and Management change to reduce the state's health subsidy from one-third to one-quarter for budget years 2026–27 would not raise costs for retirees but would reduce the system's health fund balance and risk longer-term solvency pressures.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659211,"State Library seeks inventory, staffing funds as museum cataloguing and accessibility work continues; advocates press for deaf/blind access",297,3286000,3583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17&start=3286&end=3583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17/thumbnail_3286000.jpg","/articles/6659211/Connecticut/State-Library-seeks-inventory-staffing-funds-as-museum-cataloguing-and-accessibility-work-continues-advocates-press-for-deafblind-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659211-d99e586a1f9f6dd18568748feb185b59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152241&Signature=G0zRyMcQo0yRRRmV5ybp3DLAa6X-~lIDs~RapwkQppk0mD25cS55eLZgYNAi~XSfWx7i42i8x41q6krfaT~xsT4K08wUOc2uj6qsgVMCSW6DElvvNG50wJtkMz0tHt2IVit8lZjiHxn4o1fv3iKBsOx2Uf4cpWxZ7xEEPYCG4l2GchjNndPDTbBfiXz~n7lTtKhXh5yD6i0992Vghohfe1MWqIMnHGbXFDhdYtvyXDNtgrbcs5KGO5CJh3gDMomMoWtWTBr4wCA0~ujMARMQKQh1377pUsE2EqEdQcYpdlTSFsP~PiPzH21TuS03NWtsCnKzB7U4lyxva-MyJ5Q1pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Library and Museum of Connecticut History representatives told the Appropriations subcommittee that the museum collection contains roughly 44,000 objects and that only about 1,100 are on public display, and they asked for partial funding to complete an inventory and to address staffing gaps needed to preserve and present the collection.

Shonder, a state library representative, summarized the museum’s dual mission: to preserve the state’s documentary and object history and to produce visitor experiences that make the collection accessible. “Only about 1,100 of those are on public display,” Shonder said, adding that many exhibits had not seen a major refresh in two decades, which affects both preservation and visitor experience.

The museum’s staff told legislators that much foundational conservation work is needed before new exhibit scripts or audio/accessible tours are finalized. The library noted an existing partnership with Perkins Access (part of the Perkins School for the Blind), which has provided training for museums and libraries on producing accessible content for patrons with sight and hearing loss.

At the hearing, some legislators and advocates said a previously funded ARPA‑backed program to expand deaf/blind accessibility had been diverted away from direct museum engagement and urged the state library to use those funds or to coordinate more aggressively with local groups. Shonder said the library has partnered with Perkins Access since 2023 to train staff and that the museum has developed braille kits and other materials, but acknowledged the work is ongoing and that some patrons and committee members want faster implementation.

Operational details: the state library said it currently serves about 5,400 patrons in its accessible‑reading service and estimates a broader community of roughly 10,000 potential users; staff reported a recent satisfaction survey in which 96% of responding patrons rated services “excellent or very good,” while acknowledging that not all potential users are represented in surveys. The museum is free to the public and open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; staff said budget limits currently prevent regular weekend hours.

Next steps: library staff asked legislators for funding to complete a museum inventory and to shore up staffing so the unit can preserve objects properly and then develop accessible visitor experiences. Committee members asked for additional detail on the museum staffing plan and on the inventory timeline.","State Library officials told the Appropriations subcommittee the museum collection holds about 44,000 objects with roughly 1,100 on display and asked for funding for inventory and staff; advocates raised concerns about accessibility for deaf and blind patrons and urged the library to use previously funded programs and partners to expand access.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659214,"CTECS officials tell appropriators students lag state benchmarks as special‑education and facilities costs rise",1370,1695000,3065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17&start=1695&end=3065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472403-f07f213bd053512538e96a67f9d0dc17/thumbnail_1695000.jpg","/articles/6659214/Connecticut/CTECS-officials-tell-appropriators-students-lag-state-benchmarks-as-specialeducation-and-facilities-costs-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659214-139ff1c381db79310f7eb2e25278e003/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152241&Signature=LdpzEF~SktTzakKs1KyiDKhifUfTfQRqeWj~J5RIP3rK11eiUo8Dnd8Q2rHqO~xheySJhfpatB0t7eWStWg~bGKzQcUahiYkS8KossQtkqK3uJd2ob4jnTAVX7-8hNUrp-2ICXK4O7gxaMOMhWvAMtbGao9PG82Cv1wbOuZSJ-MW89r~iOkpbzJCqNd1q8-D5Okv-6UForYcL~Xq7Id6FfPxKfa1r~PlhL7vSHOYQasEDxU~AeVtTjAwjdIMO3YgEp94yn8OnyNYPVWoeFeTNMrvYHFAYu25b9i3LPs8HcM9fs9j44sN48-bbaJG53Cau-5P4zQ7xpGPM1QCOvkmBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Alice Pritchard, interim executive director of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), told the Appropriations subcommittee that CTECS students underperformed statewide averages on several traditional academic metrics and that budget pressure is mounting from special‑education costs, contracted services and deferred facilities work.

Pritchard said district‑level results for 2023–24 on the Next Generation Science Standards show about 36% of CTECS students “met or exceeded expectations,” compared with 47% for the state. She also cited a 2024 benchmark in which 67% of CTECS students did not meet SAT benchmarks, compared with 43% statewide.

Committee members and CTECS staff emphasized that the technical schools operate differently from district high schools — students spend roughly 90 days per year in trade instruction — and that the system measures success in credentials and trade certifications in addition to traditional metrics. Pritchard noted that 95% of tenth‑through‑twelfth graders earn a certification in their trade area, which CTECS views as a programmatic success even as academic metrics lag.

Special education and contracting: CTECS provided budget figures tied to special education services. Staff said personal‑services salaries for dedicated special‑education teachers total about $12,000,000 and cover roughly 34 teachers. CTECS also reported contracted services with external providers (notably CREC) that are expected to total about $5.7 million for the year; staff said CREC’s current contracted work is about $2 million now and could reach $5–6 million by year‑end. CTECS said its special‑education population rose from just under 1,000 in 2017 to just under 2,000 currently.

Staffing and headcount: CTECS told the committee its actual headcount is 1,609 while the authorized headcount in prior documents was 1,539; the governor’s budget increased resources to support 1,569 positions. CTECS said resources have been adjusted to match the operational headcount even where authorization and payroll counts differ.

Facilities and deferred maintenance: Pritchard walked members through a five‑year renovation schedule that lists original construction dates, prior renovations and outstanding needs. CTECS noted several aging buildings and said the governor’s budget includes funds to start a replacement for Windham (Wyndham) Tech and later work for other older sites. Committee members asked for cost estimates to upgrade HVAC systems and for more detailed notes where the renovation schedule lacked specific comments.

Adult programs and workforce connections: CTECS reported 1,436 adult students enrolled statewide (previously reported as 3,000 courses), taking roughly 3,500 course enrollments in total. Staff said many adult programs connect to apprenticeships and workforce certifications; committee members discussed whether elements could align with state financial aid or debt‑free certification efforts. Pritchard said the agency would prepare a planning report, and committee members suggested a target of a January 1 deadline for a more detailed expansion plan.

Requests and next steps: legislators asked CTECS for additional disaggregated data (for example, comparing sending district performance to CTECS results, multilingual learner and special education origin districts, and school‑level testing universe sizes). CTECS staff also said they are exploring hiring paraprofessionals into state payroll structures (a novel personnel category for a state agency) to provide consistent special‑education support rather than relying solely on contracted staff.

Pritchard and members emphasized a need to align resources with principal‑level instructional needs, saying more targeted investments could yield better academic outcomes alongside trade certifications.","Interim CTECS executive director Dr. Alice Pritchard told the Appropriations subcommittee that career‑technical schools lag statewide benchmarks in science and SAT measures, cited rising special‑education costs and contracted services, and requested more time and data to develop plans for adult programs and facility upgrades.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board warns adding nongovernmental groups like CIAC/CAS risks TRS tax‑qualified status; Hamden Children's Center slated for sunset in bill

Retirement board says proposed cut to state subsidy won’t immediately affect retired teachers but will draw on health fund

State Library seeks inventory, staffing funds as museum cataloguing and accessibility work continues; advocates press for deaf/blind access

CTECS officials tell appropriators students lag state benchmarks as special‑education and facilities costs rise