New Haven Students, Educators Rally at State Capitol for More Education Funding

Protesters demand increase in state education funding, unchanged since 2013

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Students, educators, labor, faith, and elected leaders from across Connecticut gathered at the state capitol on Wednesday to testify before the Education Committee, urging Governor Ned Lamont and state lawmakers to increase state education funding. The state's Education Cost Sharing formula has remained at $11,525 per student since 2013, despite rising educational needs and costs due to inflation. Representatives from 11 Connecticut cities and school districts were in attendance, calling for an update to the funding formula as municipalities have increased their local contributions to public schools.

Why it matters

The flat state funding has contributed to significant funding gaps and shortages in critical staffing areas, as well as a lack of sufficient services for students in many districts across Connecticut. The rally aims to pressure state leaders to update the education funding formula to better support students and schools.

The details

The rally, dubbed a 'Day of Advocacy', featured a news briefing at 9 a.m. followed by testimony before the Education Committee starting at 11 a.m. Students were also set to meet individually with state legislators to urge them to adopt measures to increase education funding. Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Public School students and educators boarded school buses early Wednesday morning to travel to the State Capitol for the event.

  • The rally took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The news briefing was set for 9 a.m., with testimony slated to begin at 11 a.m.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut.

Justin Elicker

The Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut.

Connecticut General Assembly

The state legislature of Connecticut.

Education Committee

A committee of the Connecticut General Assembly that oversees education policy.

New Haven Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of New Haven, Connecticut.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The state's Education Cost Sharing formula has had the same foundation amount of $11,525 per student since 2013, despite rising educational needs and rising costs due to inflation.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Education Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly will consider the testimony and proposals from the rally as part of the 2026 legislative session, with the potential for lawmakers to update the state's education funding formula.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the ongoing challenges facing public schools in Connecticut, as districts struggle with flat state funding and rising costs. The event puts pressure on state leaders to revisit the education funding formula to ensure all students have access to the resources and services they need to succeed.