HYV Finance Committee Testimony by CJ Parker

Hearing Youth Voices Finance Committee Testimony

2/27/26

Good afternoon,

My name is CJ Parker and I am from New London, CT. I am the education justice youth organizer at Hearing Youth Voices in New London and am part of the Connecticut For All coalition. I am here to speak in support of the Connecticut For All Stand Up CT Fair Share policies.

The extreme inequality in Connecticut is glaring. Some of the most stark economic inequality in the nation influences further inequities in every other realm of life, whether it be education, criminal justice, healthcare, and most gravely, life expectancy. Growing up in New London, it was always apparent there are two Connecticuts. An unjust tax system has shaped my life and my community, limiting opportunities, supports, and resources. Between underfunded schools and everything that comes with that, limited recreational activities and third spaces, lack of access to necessary mental health supports, or simply an unfair economic burden on working class people amidst a cost of living crisis, the impacts of what is lacking compound exponentially leading to preventable harm. This isn’t a matter of a lack of talent, pride, or passion in our city. New London is full of great people providing services, support, and inspiration to our community. This is a matter of a lack of funding flowing through New London and every other city in a state where there are enough resources for every need to be met if shared properly.

Since 2020, Hearing Youth Voices has led The People’s Budget Coalition which advocates for an equitable municipal budget, such as proper funding for Public Works, Human Services, and Education. Throughout our time saving critical positions slated to be cut, it is abundantly clear funds in New London are not necessarily mismanaged, there simply isn’t enough to go around. In a 5 square mile city where nearly half of the land is untaxable, New London will continue to be underfunded and underserviced without proper state intervention. New London Public Schools was recently a member of the state’s Commissioner’s Network, which provided our schools with an additional $1.4 million the past five years up until our membership ends this year. This money enabled the hiring of positions focused on student wellness, mental health, and behavioral support which yielded better results across the board especially because it provided alternatives to exclusionary discipline. As someone who worked in one of these positions, I can speak to the changes in school climate and culture at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School and New London High School. Simply put, more funding changed students’, parents’, and teachers' lives for the better. 

We have an opportunity to address several issues around the state through HB 5187, HB 5133, SB 101, and SB 104. Amidst continuous federal cuts, our state has a responsibility to its people. People are safer when communities are properly housed, fed, educated, and sustained. It’s time for our state to thrive instead of forcing so many people to simply survive.

Thank you.