The Appropriations Committee released their Budget for FY26 and FY27. The budget including funding for H.B. 7013 however, it included zero funding for universal breakfast. See details below.
This is one step in the process of getting to a final budget by the end of the 2025 legislative session in early June. The Governor and the legislators are now working together to come up with a robust budget and will continue to talk until the final budget is voted on in June.
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Appropriations Committee Proposed FY26 & FY27 Budget included H.B. 7013 An Act Concerning Enhancements To The Local Food For Schools Incentive Program And The CT Grown For CT Kids Grant Program
1. Restoration of CT Grown for CT Kids funding at 1 million per year.
2. Funding the CT Local Food for Local Schools Incentive Program through a new line item in the CT Department of Education’s budget at 1.5 million for FY26 and 3.4 million for FY27.
ACTION: write our state legislators and let them know you are happy that the Appropriations Committee added funding back for farm to school programs. In your note include that the technical language in support of the funding for the programs is also important and to please move the language along with the funding.
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H.B. No. 6864 An Act Concerning The State Budget For The Biennium Ending June Thirtieth, 2027, And Making Appropriations Therefor
Universal Breakfast
- Less than what governor proposed
- Maintaining free for reduced price eligible lunches, only $750,000
- No breakfast in current proposed budget
- Funding for school meals was in the wrong line item - small mistake, caused some confusion.
When the federal budget comes out, a special legislative session may be called to fill gaps where there will be a loss in Federal funds and the Governor might draw on rainy day funds.
ACTION: sign onto our letter here. Email us and we will add your name.
ACTION: share your thoughts with the Greenwich delegation and let them know you are disappointed that the Appropriations Committee removed funding for universal Breakfast from the Governors budget and to please advocate that the funding be put back.
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Email addresses for the Greenwich delegation:
Senator Fazio - Education + Finance Committee - email here Rep Tina Courpas - Education + Appropriations Committee - email here Rep Steve Meskers Chair, Commerce Committee - email here Rep Hector Arzeno Environment + Education Committee - email here
