Public schools to get more money for HVAC upgrades [Video]

WATERBURY, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont announced $56 million in grants for air filtration system upgrades in public schools Wednesday.

“We’re an older state there’s a lot of what you have to do to take care of people, upgrade what you got to make sure this is a place where people want to be,” Lamont said.

Asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism in the United States and in Connecticut, three in 20 children have asthma, which is above the national average.

“Building related illnesses is a very real thing,” said West Haven teacher Joanie Amato. “I would feel fatigued and have chronic sinus infections and other medical issues and now that I’m in a new building, I can tell you I notice a noticeable difference.” 

Besides aging infrastructure, experts say climate and region play a big …