Greenwich Not Getting Its Fair Share of State Funding

Ever wonder what we get for the high income taxes we send to Hartford? The short answer is: not much. In Greenwich, taxpayers foot a disproportionate share of state revenues but receive the absolute least in return.

This Substack from Jonathan Goldstein, Republican candidate for Greenwich's 150th District (currently held by Democrat Steve Meskers), provides revealing data.

Same County, Different Deal

Look no further than how local school construction is funded. Fairfield Public Schools recently secured a massive 75% state reimbursement for its new $78 million Dwight Elementary School. Yet, Greenwich is only receiving roughly 20% for the new $112 million Central Middle School and will be lucky to get more than 15% for the long-delayed $56 million Old Greenwich School renovation. Why are we celebrating token gestures from the state instead of fighting for our fair share?

Demographics Tell Only Some of the Story

On paper, the state treats Greenwich and Fairfield similarly due to overall wealth. The two towns have nearly identical populations (Greenwich at 64,801 and Fairfield at 66,262). Yes, Greenwich has a higher median household income ($206,130 compared to Fairfield's $172,432) and a higher median home value ($1.7 million vs. $780,000). But looking strictly at top-line wealth misses a critical shift.

Greenwich is Considerably More Diverse

In reality, Greenwich has a much more diverse population and faces significantly higher localized social support costs than Fairfield. For example, Greenwich has a higher poverty rate at 6.1% compared to Fairfield’s 4.7%. Additionally, more than a quarter of Greenwich residents—25.2%—speak a language other than English at home, compared to just 16% in Fairfield. This diversity is also reflected in our communities, with Greenwich’s foreign-born population at 22.5% versus Fairfield’s 12.6%, and its Hispanic population at 14.4% compared to Fairfield's 6.7%. Looking strictly at top-line wealth numbers ignores these distinct community needs.

Hartford Uses Our Wealth as an Excuse to Shortchange Us

If Fairfield can receive a 75% state reimbursement for a school rebuild, Greenwich should not be told that 15% to 20% is the absolute best Hartford can do. Our Hartford representatives need to fight harder for our fair share of school funding.

Between the Lines: Wondering why your annual property taxes have increased so much? Hartford is partly to blame. When the state shifts the burden of infrastructure funding onto local municipalities, it forces local property owners to bridge the multimillion-dollar shortfall alone.

Story here