© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

School Regionalization, Grocery Tax, And Mayoral Upsets Coming In 2019?

Chion Wolf
/
WNPR
State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney is calling for the creation of a commission to develop school regionalization plans for towns with less than 40,000 residents.

Elections aren't for another nine or so months, but mayoral races are heating up across Connecticut. That includes those in the state's three largest cities where the top municipal leaders are Democrats, and challengers from within the party keep emerging.

Will Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin's brief run for governor prompt voters to give the job to someone less inclined to leave for higher office? Are Bridgeport and New Haven residents ready to replace veteran mayors Joe Ganim and Toni Harp?

This week, we dissect the issues unique to each race, as well as the debate over the regionalization of public schools. Two bills proposed by state Senate leaders would push smaller towns into joining consolidated school districts. Nearly overnight, they've ignited a political firestorm pitting Connecticut's tradition of home role against the state's fiscal situation.

Another budget-balancing measure reportedly being considered by Gov. Ned Lamont is applying the state's sales tax to groceries and other currently exempt goods and services. What are the chances of that or a regional school mandate advancing in the General Assembly?

And speaking of legislation, do we really need a law banning the sale of aquatic mammals? Or one increasing criminal penalties for the theft of used cooking oil? We examine these and other peculiar bills raised so far this session.

GUESTS:

Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content