The state is continuing a program that supported more than 7,300 paraeducators last year as officials seek to bolster recruitment and retention.
Get Instant Access to This Article
Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
The state will provide another $10 million to help paraeducators cover their healthcare costs, continuing a subsidy program that supported more than 7,300 school employees last year.
Gov. Ned Lamont and state Comptroller Sean Scanlon on Thursday announced the funding for the Paraeducator Healthcare Subsidy Program, which distributes state money to school districts to reduce paraeducators’ share of health insurance costs.
The program was established as part of the state’s fiscal 2024-25 two-year budget in response to concerns about healthcare affordability for paraeducators, who typically assist teachers and students, including children with disabilities and other special needs.
Since the program began, the state Comptroller’s Office said, it has distributed $25 million to school districts for the subsidies. The additional $10 million brings the state’s overall investment to $35 million.
Lamont said the assistance is also intended to help Connecticut recruit and retain paraeducators.
School districts must complete a survey detailing paraeducator staffing levels and healthcare costs by Sept. 9. The Comptroller’s Office will use the information to calculate subsidy amounts, with funding expected to be distributed later this fall.
Labor leaders welcomed the continuation of the program but said compensation for paraeducators remains an issue.
AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel said lawmakers should address wages when they return for the 2027 legislative session.
“Sustainable healthcare must be paired with livable, competitive wages,” Hochadel said.
