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Board endorses state revenue bills to fully fund education cost‑sharing formula; members ask legal review
Summary
The Bridgeport Board of Education voted to support a package of state revenue bills — including a new top income-tax bracket and other wealth-targeted measures — to create funds to fully support the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula. The board approved the resolution with one abstention and requested clarification from legal counsel about the mechanics of a board-led legislative position.
The Bridgeport Board of Education voted to support several pending Connecticut bills that would create new revenue streams to fully fund the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula, including proposals to adjust fiscal guardrails and to create a higher top income-tax bracket and other taxes aimed at high-net-worth residents.
Board member Mr. Traver presented the resolution, citing large state surpluses and the need for structural revenue to support education funding beyond one-time reserves. He listed bills discussed at the finance hearing: House Bill 5187 (adjust fiscal guardrails), House Bill 5133 (increase the highest marginal personal income tax rate), Senate Bill 101 (statewide property/estate tax on certain residential real property) and Senate Bill 104 (capital-gains surcharge).
Members debated the board’s authority to adopt a legislative position and directed staff to obtain a legal opinion; counsel in the meeting noted that elected boards historically sign letters and take elected-member positions and that the board could register a position as the elected membership of the board. After debate, the motion passed by voice vote with one abstention (Lamont Daniels).
Proponents framed the endorsement as a local educational priority: more stable, predictable revenue would allow the state to fully fund the ECS formula and ease pressure on municipalities. Opponents did not block the resolution but sought clarity about legal scope for administrative staff to testify on behalf of the board. The board recorded the action; staff will seek any necessary legal clarification and notify legislators of the board’s position.
