Update on Funding for State After School Grants:

The Governor and the State Legislature continue to negotiate on the final state budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2017. While the legislature is not considering the original proposal to block grant the funds by combining it with five other programs, the afterschool line item is still on the chopping block. One draft budget that was not voted on included a 25% cut. The Republican alternative budget proposal presented on Thursday 4/27 included fully funding the program at $4,866,695. The looming budget deficit remains, and budget cuts to some programs will be part of the final deal – but we need to make our voices heard in May that

“Afterschool funding helps working families keep their jobs!”

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

If you are part of an afterschool program that gets state funding,

1. Reach out to your local legislators (even if you have already done so). Let them know what the impact would be to your community if your program’s funding was eliminated.
2. Come to the State Capitol in May on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. It is likely that both the House and the Senate will be in session starting mid-morning and it’s a great time to have a brief conversation with your local officials about the importance of afterschool funding. Bring kids or parents with you if you can – that always helps bring the message home. Need more information or want company? Call Michelle Doucette Cunningham at 860-794-4978.

Everyone,

1. Call and email Governor Malloy and legislative leaders and tell them, “Afterschool funding helps working families keep their jobs. Please keep full funding for this program in the final state budget.” Here’s how to reach them:

Here’s the latest on federal funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers.