U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes and John Larson Visit EdAdvance to Discuss Impact of Federal Funding Cuts

March 6, 2026 — U.S. Senator Chris Murphy joined U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes and U.S. Representative John Larson for a visit to EdAdvance’s Early Childhood Learning Center in Torrington to meet with agency leaders and staff to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts and uncertainties on programs serving children, families, and schools across northwest Connecticut.

The visit began with a walkthrough of the Early Childhood Learning Center, where Senator Murphy and the congressional delegation toured classrooms and program spaces while speaking with EdAdvance leadership and staff. During the tour, program leaders shared how federally funded initiatives, including Head Start, support young children and families through early learning, health services, and family engagement programs that strengthen school readiness and long-term success.

Staff highlighted the importance of these programs for families throughout the region and discussed how federal funding enables the agency to provide comprehensive services during the earliest and most critical years of child development.

Following the tour, the delegation joined EdAdvance leadership and staff for a roundtable discussion focused on the growing challenges created by reductions and uncertainty in federal funding. The conversation included the School Based Mental Health Grant, Head Start, the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education of Homeless Children and Youth program, and the BASES (Before & After School Extended Services) 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program, which all rely on federal support to serve children and families in the region. The discussion primarily focused on the School Based Mental Health Grant and Head Start programming and the critical role these programs play in supporting students and families.

School mental health counselors and program leaders shared firsthand experiences about the increasing mental health needs they are seeing among students and the importance of having trained professionals available within schools. Staff discussed how federally funded programs allow counselors to work directly with students, provide crisis intervention, and offer preventative supports that help students remain engaged in school and succeed academically.

“Federal investments in programs like Head Start and school-based mental health services are essential to helping children and families thrive,” said Lisa A. Bowden, Assistant Executive Director of EdAdvance. “These resources allow us to work closely with schools and families to address challenges early and provide the support children need to succeed academically and emotionally.”

EdAdvance leaders also emphasized the significant role Head Start plays in strengthening families and supporting early childhood development.

“Head Start provides comprehensive services that support not only children’s early learning, but also their health and family stability,” said Carmella Galipault, Director of EdAdvance Head Start: Prenatal to Five. “Federal funding allows us to reach families during the most critical years of a child’s development and connect them with resources that have lasting impacts.”

The discussion also highlighted the importance of school-based mental health programs in addressing the growing social and emotional needs of students.

“Our school-based mental health counselors work directly in schools with students who may be experiencing anxiety, trauma, or other challenges that impact their ability to learn,” said Judith A. Palmer, Ed.D., Director of School Climate and Mental Health Services at EdAdvance. “Federal grants have allowed us to expand these services and ensure students receive the support they need in the environments where they spend most of their time.”

The visit also provided an opportunity for federal leaders to hear directly from educators, counselors, and program administrators about the real-world impact of federal funding decisions on schools and communities. EdAdvance leaders emphasized the importance of continued federal investment to sustain these programs and ensure that children and families throughout northwest Connecticut continue to have access to critical educational and mental health supports.

EdAdvance staff, members of the agency’s Board of Directors, and several local officials also participated in the conversation, reinforcing the collaborative effort required among educators, policymakers, and community leaders to support the well-being and success of students across the region.

About EdAdvance

EdAdvance is one of Connecticut's six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs). Our mission as the RESC in western Connecticut is to promote the success of school districts and their communities. Collaboratively with them, we provide educational and related services. To learn more about EdAdvance and its work, visit edadvance.org.