Connecticut High School's graduation rate is lower than predicted, with less than 80 percent of students earning their diploma in four years.

Malloy stated that with Connecticut's inability to grow our economy and create jobs over the past 20 years, we are relying on our public school system now more than ever to help create our next generation of workers and leaders.

"The rates are particularly bad among minority and low-income students," said Malloy, "What does this mean? That the state's achievement gap - already the worst in the country - will likely continue to grow in the years ahead, perpetuating the social and economic divide in our cities."

Malloy believes that if we don't correct the problem that it will mean an exacerbation of our economic condition. A government report stated that the problems that come with lower graduation rates are: lower rates of ownership, less civic engagement, and higher rates of incarceration which will result in towns having less tax revenue and an increase in social services dependence.

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the nation, Malloy points out, "It's unconscionable that we would allow this to happen."

As Mayor of Stamford, Malloy made Stamford the first city in CT to offer universal access to pre-school. He also established the Juvenile Review Board, a program to keep youths out of the juvenile justice system by providing them with opportunities to make more positive choices.