Healthy Schools

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her latest initiative to reduce the cost of living in the state: free meals in schools for every student, regardless of income.

Some Connecticut lawmakers and school nutrition advocates have urged Gov. Ned Lamont to continue a $16 million expansion of the state’s free school meal program in his 2024 budget proposal.

Connecticut’s Bond Commission has approved an additional $150 million to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in public schools across the state.

More public school students in Connecticut will receive free meals, including breakfast, for the upcoming school year. The state is spending $16 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand the program.

Connecticut schools will get $150 million for air filtration systems.