Latest news with #CSDE
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Connecticut Department of Education declines to sign Trump administration's DEI compliance orders
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Education, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) declined to sign the Trump administration's DEI compliance request, citing that the state 'already does and will continue to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.' Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker made the announcement Wednesday. The letter to the United States Department of Education (USDOE) reads in part, 'Connecticut remains committed to safeguarding Connecticut students against the insidious effects of discrimination and continues to align its principles and programs with the requirements and purpose of Title VI, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.' 'CSDE regularly reaffirms its compliance with all federal program assurances, through which USDOE continues to provide federal funding,' the letter read. Read the full letter below. CT-Department-of-Education-letterDownload 'In Connecticut, we're proud to support the incredible diversity of our schools and work tirelessly to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to a quality education and the best opportunity at the starting line in life,' Lamont said in a written statement. 'From our educators, who are mentoring and inspiring the next generation of young people, to our curriculum, our commitment to education is what has made our schools nationally recognized, and we plan to continue doing what makes our students, teachers, and schools successful.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers move forward with controversial bill that could drastically change the way businesses and schools operate: 'Common sense'
Connecticut's food service containers are about to get a lot less trashy. As the nonprofit newsroom Connecticut Inside Investigator reported, the state's Environment Committee recently passed a bill that will ban single-use plastic utensils, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene food containers beginning in 2026. The exception will be for requests made to accommodate disabilities and medical purposes. The bill is co-sponsored by several House Democrats, who listed environmental protection and pollution reduction as the key drivers behind the legislation. Alex Rodriguez of Save the Sound called the actions "vital" during public testimony. "Polystyrene is not only bulky, challenging, and expensive to recycle, but it also breaks down into microplastics that contaminate our environment and drinking water," he said. "With 11 states and the European Union already enacting similar bans, it is time for us to take decisive action." The bill isn't universally popular, though. Businesses and schools, including the Connecticut State Department of Education, oppose it for the financial burden it will place on them to comply with the plastics ban. Representatives from the CSDE estimated that switching to compostable dining trays and cutlery would cost "at least $18.7 million," the Inside Investigator reported. "The burden this proposal places on schools significantly limits the available resources to improve the components that make up school meals, including purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers," CSDE Commissioner Charlene Tucker-Russell wrote. However, advocates for the bill argue that this transition is actually more feasible than those estimates make it appear. "Polystyrene alternatives such as cardboard are easier to recycle while costing roughly the same to businesses," former Stamford Mayor David Martin said in a news release. "This is a common sense environmental reform that benefits everyone who lives on this planet." Considering the impact that microplastics have on human health — and the health of our food chain and ecosystems — it's understandable that many of the bill's proponents position it as not only an environmentally friendly policy but a public health policy too. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
