Advocates push for more money to support struggling teens and young adults NBC Connecticut [Video]

Lawmakers return to the Capitol in just under a month, and the United Way and local leaders are pushing for an investment in teens and young adults.

The two organizations are pushing a 22-point that calls for $407 million in increased funding and a major change to how the state funds education.

“They are also the most fiscally responsible thing that the state of Connecticut could do would be to start with those aligned actions,” Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Executive Director Joe DeLong said.

CCM and United Way of Connecticut say the plan is a way to help teens and young adults disengaged from school or work.

The Dalio Foundation issued a report last October estimating 119,000 people between the ages of 14 and 26 fit this group, called disconnected youth.

“Believe in the young people, trust them, what they’re saying,” said Erica Soares, a college student who grew up …