Comptroller Scanlon, Governor Lamont Announce $10 Million To Continue Paraeducator Healthcare Assistance

September 3, 2026

Districts reminded to complete mandatory survey by September 9

(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut is investing an additional $10 million to continue the Paraeducator Healthcare Subsidy Program, a state program that helps employees pay for their share of healthcare costs.

Paraeducators play a vital role in school ecosystems, providing direct support to both teachers and students. The original program was established as part of the 2023-2024 biennium budget. Since then, the Office of the State Comptroller has released $25 million in funding directly to districts to subsidize paraeducators’ healthcare costs. Last year, the program provided support to more than 7,300 paraeducators.

Comptroller Scanlon said, “Paraeducators support our highest need students and our educators with unwavering dedication, and we should all be deeply grateful for their service and commitment. I am honored to support efforts that help reduce the burden of high healthcare costs. Ensuring that our paraeducators—and all Connecticut residents—have access to affordable healthcare is a goal we must continue to work towards.”

Governor Lamont said, “Paraeducators are essential members of our school communities, and Connecticut needs more talented people answering that call. This funding will help in our efforts to encourage more people to seek careers as paraeducators while strengthening the state’s educator workforce.”

Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said, “Paraeducators play a crucial role in helping students with differing abilities thrive, and their dedication is essential to our work to empower every learner’s educational journey. We are grateful to Governor Lamont, Comptroller Scanlon, and the General Assembly for their continued partnership and investment in Connecticut’s paraeducator workforce.”

Shellye Davis, President of the Hartford Federation of Paraeducators, AFT Local 2221 and Divisional Vice President for paraprofessionals and school-related personnel with AFT Connecticut said, “As we celebrate the strides made with the Paraeducator Healthcare Subsidy Program, let us remember that this is just the beginning. We must continue to advocate for better support, ensuring that our paraeducators—not just today, but every day—receive the resources and respect they deserve to uplift our most vulnerable students. Together, we can transform our schools into places where every educator, including our paraeducators, is empowered to thrive.”

AFSCME Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr said, “Paraeducators play a vital role in supporting students’ education and success. But too many struggle every day to afford healthcare and get the medical coverage they deserve to stay healthy for their students. Providing financial relief through this program has had real, positive impacts on paraeducators’ lives, families and communities.  These impacts deserve to be celebrated. The labor movement is grateful to the Legislature, Governor Lamont, and Comptroller Scanlon for developing a program that continues to deliver meaningful relief at a time when healthcare costs keep rising for so many.”

AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel said, “Extending this essential benefit shows what can be accomplished when we take real, concrete steps to support our public schools. Affordable healthcare for paraeducators isn’t just a benefit—it’s a fundamental tool for recruitment and retention. Over the last three years, this program has made a tangible difference for both our members and the children in their care. However, our work is far from over. As we approach the 2027 legislative session, we urge state leaders to finish the job. Sustainable healthcare must be paired with livable, competitive wages. When we show real respect for our hard-working paraeducators, we create a stronger, more stable learning environment for every child in Connecticut.”

President Carl R. Chisem from MEUI Local 506 said, “As our paraeducators prepare to begin another school year, our schools continue to rely heavily on their work. The healthcare assistance program our coalition of unions has worked hard to fight for alongside the Comptroller’s office these past years has become an important tool towards a more livable wage for our members, and we’re excited to see it become permanent. The cost of living has never been higher, and the need for better wages and benefits for these hard-working paraeducators has never been greater.”

Districts continue to receive outreach regarding a mandatory survey on paraeducator staffing levels and healthcare costs, which must be completed by September 9, 2026. Following, the Office of the State Comptroller will calculate and disperse subsidy amounts later this Fall.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.