Legislative Update from Rep. Michael D'Agostino

From Hamden Rep. Michael D'Agostino, D-91:

We just finished the 2013 Legislative session at Midnight.  I am still digesting the 500+ page budget, but some here are brief highlights for Hamden:

 The Town will receive $32,459,098 in direct state aid for the July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014 fiscal year (ECS school aid, local capital improvement funds, road improvement, etc.).  That is $1,315,325 more than last year.  

There also appears to be an additional $269,631 in aid coming from a separate municipal aid bond fund we set up.

I worked for weeks to get language in the education reform statute that would allow a town like Hamden that has a positive relationship with the local teacher’s union to design their own teacher collaborative teacher evaluation plan and phase it in over time.  The new language that passed – which was close to what I wanted -- allows Hamden to seek a waiver from the restrictive (and expensive) state model.  The Hamden BOE is doing just that and I expect our plan to be approved. 

We are also pushing a $8-10 million bond package that would be used to revitalize the Old Middle School area – as well as some smaller bonding for IT upgrades to our school system.  Those are now pending with the Governor – stay tuned.

I will update these and other issues as more info becomes available. 

Mike D’Agostino

Representing Hamden’s 91st District

From Whitneyville to Westwoods.