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The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last week before reaching the governor's desk. The measure would allocate $40 million to this school year's budget to cover special education funding gaps.
Lamont told reporters Monday that he wanted to preserve the state's spending cap, which is designed to keep the state financially stable.
State lawmakers announced they may push for an override as early as Wednesday, according to the CT Mirror. The bill cleared the House 140-5 last week and passed unopposed in the Senate, per state records.
To override the veto, lawmakers need two-thirds of the House and Senate to agree.
The Connecticut Education Association urged lawmakers to act, saying in a statement that funding is available now and schools—and vulnerable students—can't afford to wait. Lamont's proposed budget doesn't increase special education funding until fiscal year 2026-27, per the CT Mirror.
"This money is a lifeline — not a luxury — for students with disabilities, who are already being shortchanged by an underfunded system," the statement said.
"We commend the legislature for listening to families, teachers, and school districts and for taking decisive, bipartisan action to pass this bill. They recognized the urgency and overwhelmingly approved $40 million in funding for this year. Now, we urge them to finish the job and override this veto."
The advocacy group emphasized that the political will, financial resources, and funding exist now, citing the state's $356.4 million budget surplus.
Denying students the support they need most is "unacceptable," the group said.
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