At a campaign Q-and-A with Greater Westville Indivisible, Governor Ned Lamont discussed his approach to improving the school system, stating that it’s not always about more money, but about doing things that matter. He noted that New Haven was one of the last school districts in the state to reopen schools after Covid, which had a negative impact on students.

School Funding and Reform

Lamont argued that more spending does not necessarily equate to higher-quality education, and instead emphasized the need to work with schools to ensure that funds are being used effectively. He also mentioned the establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission to re-examine how school funding works, which will focus on issues such as special education costs.

When asked about the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula, Lamont stated that the state has increased funding for schools during his tenure, but acknowledged that the formula has not been adjusted for inflation since 2013. He suggested that the solution might involve using the state’s leverage to negotiate better deals with private special education providers.

Immigration and ICE Activity

Lamont faced questions on how to push back against the surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and deportations affecting the state. He discussed a bill that updates Public Act No. 26-14, which prohibits law enforcement officials, including ICE officers, from arresting or detaining individuals on civil offenses within protected areas such as schools and courthouses.

Attendees also asked about the enforcement of this law, with Lamont stating that his job is to ensure that people can vote safely and that the state will do everything it can to keep ICE agents away from polling places. He also committed to working with independent groups to provide legal support for immigrants in ICE detention.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.