Stratford Receives Additional Funding In State Budget Adjustment: Here’s What To Know

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford will receive more than $1.6 million in additional state funding in the 2027 state budget adjustment legislation that was approved in the Connecticut General Assembly over the weekend, according to officials.

Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced plans to provide municipalities with an additional $170 million in school funding and an additional $100 million in municipal aid out of the state’s Affordability Fund.

Lamont released a document containing a town-by-town breakdown of the increase in state funding that every school district and municipality in Connecticut will receive from the fiscal year 2027 budget adjustment legislation that “received overwhelming, bipartisan approval” in the Connecticut General Assembly,” according to a news release.

The increased support for school districts and municipalities is “designed to close critical funding gaps in school budgets and town finances without forcing communities to raise property taxes,” the news release states. “By targeting these dollars directly at the gaps straining local budgets and school systems, this state funding gives municipalities the breathing room they need to stabilize or even reduce mill rates, addressing the affordability concerns that so many Connecticut residents and community leaders have raised.”

Lamont said, “By closing funding gaps for our schools and municipalities, we can help communities avoid raising property taxes while keeping classrooms running and local services strong. Affordability is a top priority for this administration, and this investment delivers real relief where people feel it most. I am grateful to Senate President Looney, Speaker Ritter, and the overwhelming majority of Democrat and Republican legislators who voted to approve this budget and send it to my desk.”

Members of the Stratford delegation, including State Rep. Joesph Gresko (D-121), State Rep. Kaitlyn Shake (D-120), State Rep. Ben McGorty (R-122), and State Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston (D-23), welcomed the additional funding for Stratford.

Stratford’s funding includes:

• $1,212,175 in additional education funding
• $406,351 in additional town aid

“This additional funding is much needed for Stratford and shows when the state gets its fiscal house in order, we’re able to help our towns,” Gresko said. “And we passed this budget with bipartisan support.”

Read more from the news release below:

“This increase in state funding is a direct response to supporting the Stratford community in the areas they need it most, from additional town aid to critical education funding,” Shake said. “I am grateful for the continued support from Speaker Ritter and House Democrat Leadership to help residents through property tax relief and increased aid. This will make a real, meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.”

McGorty said, “This budget makes important investments in education, including significant support for early childhood programs, helping ensure students have a strong foundation for success. At the same time, expanding tax relief on clothing and essential school supplies will provide meaningful savings for families. We are easing everyday costs and supporting education funding. These steps also help take pressure off local budgets and property taxpayers. It’s a positive step toward making Connecticut more affordable for working families.”

“Education is the great equalizer, and this budget puts that belief into action,” Gaston said. “Stratford's students and families will feel the impact of this investment, and I am proud to have helped deliver funding that expands opportunity for every learner in our community."

Stratford’s portion of the state budget is $44.8 million, which includes PILOT funds, Motor Vehicle Tax Payments, Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grants, Town Aid Road, Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP), Municipal Grants in Aid, Education Cost Sharing, Adult Education, Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) Grant, as well as the supplemental funding for education and town aid.

The 2027 budget adjustment passed the Senate 30-6 Saturday afternoon and was passed by the House of Representatives Saturday evening by a vote of 127-21-3. It significantly boosts support for the state’s education system, increases crucial investments in housing and transportation, supports town and city budgets, and more — all while safeguarding the state's strong fiscal outlook, including $1 billion toward paying down long-term debt.