The cost for a lobbyist hired by the City of Danbury and the Danbury School District to try to get more state funding has gone up.  The price for the service increased by $2,500.  The original contract, split evenly, was $50,000.  The contract now goes through the Board of Awards, like other contractual items.

When the idea was first floated during the 2016 legislative session, opponents on the City Council said the bipartisan elected delegation represents the city well enough and weren't convinced that lobbyist is the right approach to trying to get more state funding back for the City. 

The lobbying service is meant to give Danbury greater access to funding in the form of municipal aid, as well as to grant opportunities through state department funding.  As state revenue continues to decline, City officials say it's imperative that Danbury be well represented at the Capital.  Danbury has the 5th lowest per student spending in the state, with City taxpayers footing 70-cents on every dollar. 

City and school officials say Connecticut is underfunding education in Danbury by some $30 million.