Appropriations subcommittee hears a string of education funding pitches: emergency ELL aid, school meals, telehealth and youth programs

The Legislature’s public education appropriations subcommittee heard a wide array of smaller funding requests Tuesday, from emergency aid for English‑learner surges to a $160 million proposal to cover school meals statewide.

Many sponsors framed the requests as targeted, preventive investments intended to keep students in class, support teachers and build long‑term pathways to careers.

Representative Candace Perucci asked the committee to fund HB42, a $5 million one‑time emergency grant program for schools that experience sudden increases in English‑learner enrollment. The grants would be distributed through the State Board of Education for schools that demonstrate a significant enrollment spike (the bill sets a threshold and floor to avoid small‑district percentage distortions). Perucci said the funds would pay for supports such as English‑language certification for teachers and short‑term wraparound help while longer‑term funding (the WPU add‑on) catches up.

Food security was the subject of two separate proposals. Representative Erik Clancy presented HB100, a targeted $2.8 million request to eliminate the reduced‑price student co‑pay (currently 40¢ per meal on average) and expand summer EBT in partnership with private philanthropy; sponsors said philanthropic partners have committed about $618,000 toward a…