Connecticut is taking steps to empower all English learning students across the state.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced his proposal to establish the English Learners' Bill of Rights while he was in Bridgeport.

The goal is to ensure educational access and equality for students and their families who are learning English in public schools.

"Today in Connecticut, over 50% of our student population now identify as non-white. Additionally, over 45,000 or 8.8% of our students are identified as English learners," said Irene Parisi, with the state Department of Education.

Under this proposal, students can expect to attend public school regardless of immigration status, have a translator present during critical interactions and equal access to all core grade-level subject matter and much more.