Bill > SB00001

This bill establishes an Early Childhood Education Endowment to improve early childhood education in Connecticut. The endowment will be funded by transferring up to $300 million from the state's General Fund surplus annually, with the State Treasurer responsible for investing and managing the funds. For the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, up to 12% of the endowment can be released annually, decreasing to 10% in subsequent years. These funds will be used by the Commissioner of Early Childhood to support early care and education programs, including increasing provider payment rates, expanding access, extending program hours, and providing programmatic support. The bill also creates an advisory board to oversee the endowment and includes provisions for a health insurance subsidy program for early childhood education employees. Additionally, the bill requires that any expansion of spaces in early care and education programs be at least 35% infant and toddler spaces, and establishes that families with annual incomes under $100,000 will not be financially responsible for child care services. The endowment aims to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of early child care in the state, with regular evaluations and reporting requirements to track its impact.

Budget and Finance, Education, Justice

Education Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00001&which_year=2025