Connecticut

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Connecticut?

In 2009, Connecticut is facing a $1.9 billion dollar budget gap representing 11.0% of the general fund. In 2010, Connecticut is looking at an even great $4.0 billion dollar shortfall, 23.1% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Connecticut?

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $1,320,000,000 in relief for Connecticut’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $443,300,000 in relief to the state of Connecticut to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $103,300,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $135,300,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $23,900,000 for other education programs in Connecticut’s schools.
• $152,000,000 in food stamps for 240,000 Connecticut men, women, and children.
• $17,000,000 in emergency shelter grants for 2,600 households.
• 108,000 Connecticut children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $13,685,624 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 870 Connecticut children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 277,766 Connecticut families.
• $9,100,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $11,100,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Connecticut’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Chris Dodd (D)

Joseph Lieberman (I)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information