Comey: 'Top Priority' Bill Funding Early Childhood Ed, Care Passes

HARTFORD, CT — Rep. Robin Comey, D-Branford, noted that throughout her legislative career she's made the fight for funding for quality, affordable, and accessible childcare a "top priority."

"Investments in early care education contribute to a robust economy and help ensure the success of families and future generations," she noted in an emailed statement. "This year, my colleagues and I crafted and passed a bill (HB 5002) to make a difference for our state."

The bill, that passed both the House and Senate in the 2024 Legislative Session, authorizes the state Bond Commission to issue bonds up to $50 million to support Connecticut's Early Childhood Education Fund. Bond sale proceeds will support early childhood ed and care, through the Office of Early Childhood.

According to Comey, the bill:

• Creates the “Early Childhood Care and Education Fund,” to be used for childcare and early childhood education programs
• Establishes the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund Advisory Commission that will report on the health of the Fund and annually update recommendations on how to best use its resources
• Invests in teachers and assistant teachers in state-funded school readiness programs and state-funded childcare programs
• Requires a study on the availability of space in state-owned properties that may be used for early childhood care and education programs
• Directs Office of Early Childcare to establish the Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program as a pilot initiative in New London County with childcare expenses for participants split evenly between employee, employer, and the state.