Month: June 2019

Senator Anwar Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

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Senator Anwar Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

Senate Democrats Photo

Democratic leaders speak Tuesday on the benefits of an impending debt-free community college system.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) cheered the Senate’s approval of a state budget that expands access to higher education and will provide a ladder of opportunity through Connecticut’s community colleges. The budget will provide a roadmap to the state for debt-free community college.

“This was one of the most important priorities of this session. We have a responsibility to invest in our next generation,” said Sen. Anwar. “Students should be able to achieve their highest potential and should not be restricted based on their ability to afford education. I am thankful for Senator Haskell’s leadership as well as Representative Haddad, Senator Flexer and Representative Turco’s efforts in doing the groundwork to make this a reality. Connecticut’s future and economic development will depend on the workforce and this work will allow us to reach that goal.”

“Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “This reality influences where college graduates decide to live and what careers they are able to pursue. When students are not confident residing and working in Connecticut, that concern has a ripple effect on our communities and our economy. This legislation will change that and allow students attending regional-technical colleges to graduate without debt and encourage them to start their careers in our state. It’s an enlightened policy and I’m pleased to see it included in the budget.”

“This is a great investment in the future of Connecticut,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “When students can attend one of our regional community-technical colleges and graduate debt free, that influences their decision to live, work, or start a family in Connecticut. Community colleges are the backbone of our communities and help to create a workforce pipeline that prepares students for the 21st century economy. This legislation helps students who deserve to attend school without the burden of debt and benefits workers, employers, and our economy.”

“I appreciate leaders of the Higher Education Committee for working closely with the CSCU team on workable language that aligns with the Board of Regents’ goal of increasing access and affordability of higher education,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian. “If passed, we will implement the program in time for the fall 2020 semester. Connecticut’s community colleges continue to be the most cost-effective option for students of all backgrounds to obtain a high quality education. I thank the legislature for their commitment to our public colleges and universities.”

As part of the state budget, high school graduates attending regional community-technical colleges will have the opportunity to graduate from those institutions without accruing debt starting in the second year of the biennial budget.

While the program will cost approximately $2 million to implement and $6.1 million in its first year, new students entering the community college system are expected to bring up to $7.6 million in new tuition revenue, partially from the additional federal funding.

Starting in the fall of 2020, students will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take while enrolled for the first three years they are enrolled, required to take 12 credits per semester. That requirement includes remedial courses. Students would be required to be in good academic standing and accept all available financial aid supplied to them.

Current projections say the investment in community college programs could increase enrollment by up to 2,310 students in the first year, additionally helping nearly 7,000 students receive education without paying tuition or fees.

This program further supports the state’s education systems by requiring students to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form. By encouraging students to submit this form, the state then gains federal support, as a higher number of submitted forms provides Connecticut with additional government funding.

Supporters of debt-free community college include Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Executive Director Subira Gordon, who noted that for every dollar invested in public secondary education, states see returns of between $3 and $4. Further support came from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges President Bryan R. Bonita, and several current and former Connecticut college students, who noted that the cost of public college education in Connecticut increased nearly three times faster than inflation from 1971 to 2019.

“To earn a 4-year degree, a student may have to take on $100,000 in debt,” said Timothy Bristol of Stratford, who recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with $32,366 in debt. “Compare that to 1971, where a student could get a four-year degree for around $40,000, adjusted for inflation.”

 

Senator Haskell Votes For State Budget With No Tax Increase

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Senator Haskell Votes For State Budget With No Tax Increase

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) joined Senate Democrats to pass a balanced two-year state budget that does not increase the income or sales tax rate, increases funding for education and reduces the size of state government. With careful cost controlling, the budget raises spending across the state by only 0.3 percent while supporting job training initiatives and local education funding. Planning for a potential recession, the Rainy Day Fund will increase to $2.6 billion under the biennial proposal.

“I voted Yea tonight because I believe it’s the balanced and forward-thinking budget Connecticut needs,” said Sen. Haskell. “It limits new spending, bolsters tax revenues and supports the students of our state. We’re honoring the commitments made by previous generations and planning for a more fiscally responsible future.”

Maintaining the Promises and Progress of the Bipartisan Budget

  • Maintains the same sales tax rate, income tax rates, and capital gains tax rate as the bipartisan budget
  • Continues cuts to income taxes for seniors on social security and pensions as promised in the bipartisan budget
  • Increases education funding as promised in the bipartisan education funding formula
  • Adheres to the spending cap, expenditure cap, bonding cap, and volatility cap from the bipartisan budget
  • Continues our commitment to fund support for the developmentally disabled, including emergency placements and employment and day services
  • Continues to bolster the Rainy Day fund which will now have over $2.6 billion as promised in the bipartisan budget

Investing in Job Creation and Workforce Development

  • Funds several job creation and workforce development programs, including:
  • Jobs Funnel Programs (Over $1 million each year)
  • Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative ($2 million each year)
  • Healthcare Apprenticeship Initiative ($500,000 each year)
  • Connecticut’s Youth Employment Program ($5 million each year)
  • Cradle to Career ($100,000 each year)
  • Pilot Re-Entry Program ($800,000 each year)
  • Veteran Machinists Training ($250,000 each year)

Holding the Line on Taxes

  • No increase in the sales tax rate
  • Sales tax modernized to cover digital downloads, dry-cleaning, parking, and interior design
  • No increase in the income tax rate
  • No increase in the capital gains tax rate
  • Cuts income taxes for seniors on social security and pensions
  • Eliminates the business entity tax to help new companies start-up and remove a nuisance tax on all businesses

Fiscal Responsibility

  • Over $2.6 billion in the “Rainy Day” fund
  • Only 1.7% growth in state spending in 2020 and 3.4% in 2021
  • Only 0.3% growth in non-fixed cost state spending in 2020
  • Agreement with Connecticut’s hospitals to avoid a potential $4 billion liability to the state
  • 1,000 fewer Connecticut state employee positions

Funding Our Pensions and Paying Down Our Debt

  • Over $1.7 billion toward the state’s pension costs
  • Over $1.5 billion goes toward paying down last generation’s unfunded pensions
  • Only $229 million or 13% is for current employees in 2020 and $220 million in 2021
  • Funds 100% of pensions and benefits for current state employees and teachers

Advancing Connecticut’s Top Tier K-12 Education

  • Increases funding for K-12 education by tens of millions of dollars over 2019 levels
  • $42 million education funding increase in 2020
  • $80 million education funding increase in 2021
  • Fully funds the state education formula as required under the ten year phase-in adopted by the bipartisan budget in 2017

Monumental Positive Changes for Higher Education

  • Establishes debt-free community college for all Connecticut residents
  • Increases funding for UConn by $9.7 million in 2020 and $20.6 million in 2021

Supporting Connecticut Families

  • Includes funding to support the implementation of an increase in the minimum wage
  • Funds the creation of a Paid Family Medical Leave program

Safeguarding Seniors

  • Increases funding for nursing home workers, avoiding a potentially dangerous statewide strike of workers ($11 million more in 2020 and $18.5 million more in 2021)
  • Provides funding for the Center for Medicare Advocacy ($300K in each year)
  • Increases funding for Meals on Wheels ($475K in each year)

Other Investments

  • Fully funds Passport to the Parks program
  • Includes funding for Juvenile Justice ($11.7 M in FY 20 and $10.2 M in FY 21)
  • Funds services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities including employment and day services for new high school graduates ($6.3 M in FY 20 and $14.6 M in FY 21) as well as individuals aging out of the Department of Children and Families and residential schools ($3 M in FY 20 and $5.7 M in FY 21)
  • Preserves funding for mental health and substance abuse grants ($1.6 M in each year)
  • Provides funding for caseload growth in the Birth to Three program ($1.4 M in FY 20 and $2 M in FY 21)
  • Includes funding for a new State Trooper Class in FY 20
  • Provides $500,000 each year in new funding for the Connecticut Diaper Bank
  • Funds the Foreclosure Mediation Program $1.8 M in FY 20 and $2 M in FY 21.

The full balanced budget can be accessed through the General Assembly website here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2019&bill_num=7424

Senator Moore Calls For Creation Of A Gun Violence Task Force

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Senator Moore Calls For Creation
Of A Gun Violence Task Force

HARTFORD,
CT – Today, Senator Marilyn
Moore (D-Bridgeport) sent the following letter
to Governor Ned Lamont calling for the creation of a Gun Violence Task Force to look into the frequent gun violence seen in some cities throughout Connecticut.

Dear
Governor Lamont,

I’m
writing to you today to request the creation of a Gun Violence Task Force to address the major concerns regarding the rampant gun violence in my hometown of Bridgeport and around the state of Connecticut.

On
the heels of the passage of three major gun safety bills passed by the General Assembly, ones that will assist in protecting children who are in a house that has firearms, not allow a gun to be in an unlocked car, and ban ghost guns, I believe more needs to
be done. Connecticut experienced 233 murders with firearms between 2013 and 2017 according to the Department Emergency Service and Public Protection with Hartford having the highest number of murders. During that same period there were 3,392 armed robberies
and 2,687 aggravated assaults. All these crimes included the use of a firearm.

I
applaud the passage of the bills mentioned earlier by my colleagues in the General Assembly and voted for them, but I believe this task force will help create long term and needed changes to tackle ongoing and senseless gun violence that plagues our urban
communities. Too many times I have heard from constituents or read the news of another act of gun violence around our state from people of all ages. I fear the longer we go without seriously addressing this problem the longer it will continue and young lives
will be lost.

Our
focus must shift to the communities most impacted by these crimes such as Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and Waterbury where weapons are trafficked and used. When someone is a victim of gun violence it isn’t just that one individual who is affected.
It’s families, friends, neighbors and the community at large. We must do everything we can to protect our residents and hold those responsible accountable.

I
request that you create this Gun Violence Task Force and help law enforcement and our communities across Connecticut make long term change to protect our families and friends.

Sincerely,

Marilyn
M. Moore

State
Senator, 22nd
Senate District

Democratic Senators and Leaders Cheer State Budget’s Creation of Debt-Free Community College Program

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Democratic Senators and Leaders Cheer State Budget’s Creation of Debt-Free Community College Program

Senate Democrats Photo

Democratic leaders speak Tuesday on the benefits of an impending debt-free community college system.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senate Democrats and Democratic leaders cheered the Senate’s approval of a state budget that expands access to higher education and will provide a ladder of opportunity through Connecticut’s community colleges. The budget will provide a roadmap to the state for debt-free community college.

“Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “This reality influences where college graduates decide to live and what careers they are able to pursue. When students are not confident residing and working in Connecticut, that concern has a ripple effect on our communities and our economy. This legislation will change that and allow students attending regional-technical colleges to graduate without debt and encourage them to start their careers in our state. It’s an enlightened policy and I’m pleased to see it included in the budget.”

“This is a great investment in the future of Connecticut,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “When students can attend one of our regional community-technical colleges and graduate debt free, that influences their decision to live, work, or start a family in Connecticut. Community colleges are the backbone of our communities and help to create a workforce pipeline that prepares students for the 21st century economy. This legislation helps students who deserve to attend school without the burden of debt and benefits workers, employers, and our economy.”

“As Chair of the Higher Education and Advancement Committee, I am ecstatic to see this program move forward,” said State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport). “My generation has seen firsthand the cost of higher education continue to snowball, and the debt required to earn a degree leaves young people in Connecticut at a huge disadvantage. This pathway to debt-free community college empowers students to gain the skills they’ll need to fuel our state’s economic growth. With 75 percent of jobs requiring education beyond a high school diploma by 2025, Connecticut is planning ahead and preparing students to succeed. This bill will help our workers, our students and our employers. It’s beneficial for all.”

“I appreciate leaders of the Higher Education Committee for working closely with the CSCU team on workable language that aligns with the Board of Regents’ goal of increasing access and affordability of higher education,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian. “If passed, we will implement the program in time for the fall 2020 semester. Connecticut’s community colleges continue to be the most cost-effective option for students of all backgrounds to obtain a high quality education. I thank the legislature for their commitment to our public colleges and universities.”

As part of the state budget, high school graduates attending regional community-technical colleges will have the opportunity to graduate from those institutions without accruing debt starting in the second year of the biennial budget.

While the program will cost approximately $2 million to implement and $6.1 million in its first year, new students entering the community college system are expected to bring up to $7.6 million in new tuition revenue, partially from the additional federal funding.

Starting in the fall of 2020, students will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take while enrolled for the first three years they are enrolled, required to take 12 credits per semester. That requirement includes remedial courses. Students would be required to be in good academic standing and accept all available financial aid supplied to them.

Current projections say the investment in community college programs could increase enrollment by up to 2,310 students in the first year, additionally helping nearly 7,000 students receive education without paying tuition or fees.

This program further supports the state’s education systems by requiring students to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form. By encouraging students to submit this form, the state then gains federal support, as a higher number of submitted forms provides Connecticut with additional government funding.

Supporters of debt-free community college include Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Executive Director Subira Gordon, who noted that for every dollar invested in public secondary education, states see returns of between $3 and $4. Further support came from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges President Bryan R. Bonita, and several current and former Connecticut college students, who noted that the cost of public college education in Connecticut increased nearly three times faster than inflation from 1971 to 2019.

“To earn a 4-year degree, a student may have to take on $100,000 in debt,” said Timothy Bristol of Stratford, who recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with $32,366 in debt. “Compare that to 1971, where a student could get a four-year degree for around $40,000, adjusted for inflation.”

Senator Needleman Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

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Senator Needleman Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

Senate Democrats Photo

Democratic leaders speak Tuesday on the benefits of an impending debt-free community college system.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) cheered the Senate’s approval of a state budget that expands access to higher education and will provide a ladder of opportunity through Connecticut’s community colleges. The budget will provide a roadmap to the state for debt-free community college.

“I commend the work of the Higher Education Committee, which resulted in groundbreaking legislation which will move our state forward, create a new pipeline for jobs and train employees more capable of working in the 21st century economy,” said Sen. Needleman.

“Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “This reality influences where college graduates decide to live and what careers they are able to pursue. When students are not confident residing and working in Connecticut, that concern has a ripple effect on our communities and our economy. This legislation will change that and allow students attending regional-technical colleges to graduate without debt and encourage them to start their careers in our state. It’s an enlightened policy and I’m pleased to see it included in the budget.”

“This is a great investment in the future of Connecticut,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “When students can attend one of our regional community-technical colleges and graduate debt free, that influences their decision to live, work, or start a family in Connecticut. Community colleges are the backbone of our communities and help to create a workforce pipeline that prepares students for the 21st century economy. This legislation helps students who deserve to attend school without the burden of debt and benefits workers, employers, and our economy.”

“I appreciate leaders of the Higher Education Committee for working closely with the CSCU team on workable language that aligns with the Board of Regents’ goal of increasing access and affordability of higher education,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian. “If passed, we will implement the program in time for the fall 2020 semester. Connecticut’s community colleges continue to be the most cost-effective option for students of all backgrounds to obtain a high quality education. I thank the legislature for their commitment to our public colleges and universities.”

As part of the state budget, high school graduates attending regional community-technical colleges will have the opportunity to graduate from those institutions without accruing debt starting in the second year of the biennial budget.

While the program will cost approximately $2 million to implement and $6.1 million in its first year, new students entering the community college system are expected to bring up to $7.6 million in new tuition revenue, partially from the additional federal funding.

Starting in the fall of 2020, students will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take while enrolled for the first three years they are enrolled, required to take 12 credits per semester. That requirement includes remedial courses. Students would be required to be in good academic standing and accept all available financial aid supplied to them.

Current projections say the investment in community college programs could increase enrollment by up to 2,310 students in the first year, additionally helping nearly 7,000 students receive education without paying tuition or fees.

This program further supports the state’s education systems by requiring students to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form. By encouraging students to submit this form, the state then gains federal support, as a higher number of submitted forms provides Connecticut with additional government funding.

Supporters of debt-free community college include Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Executive Director Subira Gordon, who noted that for every dollar invested in public secondary education, states see returns of between $3 and $4. Further support came from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges President Bryan R. Bonita, and several current and former Connecticut college students, who noted that the cost of public college education in Connecticut increased nearly three times faster than inflation from 1971 to 2019.

“To earn a 4-year degree, a student may have to take on $100,000 in debt,” said Timothy Bristol of Stratford, who recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with $32,366 in debt. “Compare that to 1971, where a student could get a four-year degree for around $40,000, adjusted for inflation.”

Senator Abrams Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

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Senator Abrams Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

Senate Democrats Photo

Democratic leaders speak Tuesday on the benefits of an impending debt-free community college system.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Mary Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) cheered the Senate’s approval of a state budget that expands access to higher education and will provide a ladder of opportunity through Connecticut’s community colleges. The budget will provide a roadmap to the state for debt-free community college.

“As an educator, I met far too many students who had great potential but lacked the financial ability to pursue post-secondary education. That should not happen in our state. I am ecstatic to see this strong support of our community colleges and their many students,” said Sen. Abrams. “Far too many students struggle with high tuition, and when they graduate, their debt follows them into their professional and personal lives. We’re taking action to fight this problem. I thank everyone on the Higher Education Committee for their tireless work in pushing Connecticut forward.”

“Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “This reality influences where college graduates decide to live and what careers they are able to pursue. When students are not confident residing and working in Connecticut, that concern has a ripple effect on our communities and our economy. This legislation will change that and allow students attending regional-technical colleges to graduate without debt and encourage them to start their careers in our state. It’s an enlightened policy and I’m pleased to see it included in the budget.”

“This is a great investment in the future of Connecticut,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “When students can attend one of our regional community-technical colleges and graduate debt free, that influences their decision to live, work, or start a family in Connecticut. Community colleges are the backbone of our communities and help to create a workforce pipeline that prepares students for the 21st century economy. This legislation helps students who deserve to attend school without the burden of debt and benefits workers, employers, and our economy.”

“I appreciate leaders of the Higher Education Committee for working closely with the CSCU team on workable language that aligns with the Board of Regents’ goal of increasing access and affordability of higher education,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian. “If passed, we will implement the program in time for the fall 2020 semester. Connecticut’s community colleges continue to be the most cost-effective option for students of all backgrounds to obtain a high quality education. I thank the legislature for their commitment to our public colleges and universities.”

As part of the state budget, high school graduates attending regional community-technical colleges will have the opportunity to graduate from those institutions without accruing debt starting in the second year of the biennial budget.

While the program will cost approximately $2 million to implement and $6.1 million in its first year, new students entering the community college system are expected to bring up to $7.6 million in new tuition revenue, partially from the additional federal funding.

Starting in the fall of 2020, students will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take while enrolled for the first three years they are enrolled, required to take 12 credits per semester. That requirement includes remedial courses. Students would be required to be in good academic standing and accept all available financial aid supplied to them.

Current projections say the investment in community college programs could increase enrollment by up to 2,310 students in the first year, additionally helping nearly 7,000 students receive education without paying tuition or fees.

This program further supports the state’s education systems by requiring students to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form. By encouraging students to submit this form, the state then gains federal support, as a higher number of submitted forms provides Connecticut with additional government funding.

Supporters of debt-free community college include Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Executive Director Subira Gordon, who noted that for every dollar invested in public secondary education, states see returns of between $3 and $4. Further support came from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges President Bryan R. Bonita, and several current and former Connecticut college students, who noted that the cost of public college education in Connecticut increased nearly three times faster than inflation from 1971 to 2019.

“To earn a 4-year degree, a student may have to take on $100,000 in debt,” said Timothy Bristol of Stratford, who recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with $32,366 in debt. “Compare that to 1971, where a student could get a four-year degree for around $40,000, adjusted for inflation.”

 

Democratic Senators and Leaders Cheer State Budget’s Creation of Debt-Free Community College Program

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Democratic Senators and Leaders Cheer State Budget’s Creation of Debt-Free Community College Program

Senate Democrats Photo

Democratic leaders speak Tuesday on the benefits of an impending debt-free community college system.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senate Democrats and Democratic leaders cheered the Senate’s approval of a state budget that expands access to higher education and will provide a ladder of opportunity through Connecticut’s community colleges. The budget will provide a roadmap to the state for debt-free community college.

“Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “This reality influences where college graduates decide to live and what careers they are able to pursue. When students are not confident residing and working in Connecticut, that concern has a ripple effect on our communities and our economy. This legislation will change that and allow students attending regional-technical colleges to graduate without debt and encourage them to start their careers in our state. It’s an enlightened policy and I’m pleased to see it included in the budget.”

“This is a great investment in the future of Connecticut,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “When students can attend one of our regional community-technical colleges and graduate debt free, that influences their decision to live, work, or start a family in Connecticut. Community colleges are the backbone of our communities and help to create a workforce pipeline that prepares students for the 21st century economy. This legislation helps students who deserve to attend school without the burden of debt and benefits workers, employers, and our economy.”

“As Chair of the Higher Education and Advancement Committee, I am ecstatic to see this program move forward,” said State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport). “My generation has seen firsthand the cost of higher education continue to snowball, and the debt required to earn a degree leaves young people in Connecticut at a huge disadvantage. This pathway to debt-free community college empowers students to gain the skills they’ll need to fuel our state’s economic growth. With 75 percent of jobs requiring education beyond a high school diploma by 2025, Connecticut is planning ahead and preparing students to succeed. This bill will help our workers, our students and our employers. It’s beneficial for all.”

“I appreciate leaders of the Higher Education Committee for working closely with the CSCU team on workable language that aligns with the Board of Regents’ goal of increasing access and affordability of higher education,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian. “If passed, we will implement the program in time for the fall 2020 semester. Connecticut’s community colleges continue to be the most cost-effective option for students of all backgrounds to obtain a high quality education. I thank the legislature for their commitment to our public colleges and universities.”

As part of the state budget, high school graduates attending regional community-technical colleges will have the opportunity to graduate from those institutions without accruing debt starting in the second year of the biennial budget.

While the program will cost approximately $2 million to implement and $6.1 million in its first year, new students entering the community college system are expected to bring up to $7.6 million in new tuition revenue, partially from the additional federal funding.

Starting in the fall of 2020, students will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take while enrolled for the first three years they are enrolled, required to take 12 credits per semester. That requirement includes remedial courses. Students would be required to be in good academic standing and accept all available financial aid supplied to them.

Current projections say the investment in community college programs could increase enrollment by up to 2,310 students in the first year, additionally helping nearly 7,000 students receive education without paying tuition or fees.

This program further supports the state’s education systems by requiring students to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form. By encouraging students to submit this form, the state then gains federal support, as a higher number of submitted forms provides Connecticut with additional government funding.

Supporters of debt-free community college include Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Executive Director Subira Gordon, who noted that for every dollar invested in public secondary education, states see returns of between $3 and $4. Further support came from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges President Bryan R. Bonita, and several current and former Connecticut college students, who noted that the cost of public college education in Connecticut increased nearly three times faster than inflation from 1971 to 2019.

“To earn a 4-year degree, a student may have to take on $100,000 in debt,” said Timothy Bristol of Stratford, who recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with $32,366 in debt. “Compare that to 1971, where a student could get a four-year degree for around $40,000, adjusted for inflation.”

 

Lesser Praises House Passage of Major Healthcare Reform Legislation

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Lesser Praises House Passage of Major Healthcare Reform Legislation

HARTFORD, CT — Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) released the following statement praising the state House of Representatives passage of House Bill 7267 by a 112-28 vote:

“These historic healthcare reforms make Connecticut the nation’s leader in controlling healthcare costs and making prescription drugs more affordable,” said Sen. Lesser. “My congratulations to my colleague Rep. Scanlon and to Governor Lamont for collaborating on this landmark legislation. I hope to lead Senate passage very soon.”

Senator Hartley Leads Passage of Legislation Easing Anti-Business Provisions of the Transfer Act and Spurring Real Estate Development

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Senator Hartley Leads Passage of Legislation Easing Anti-Business Provisions of the Transfer Act and Spurring Real Estate Development

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) led the Senate’s passage of legislation, passed this week by the House, that changes audit periods for establishments that previously were involved in the transfer of hazardous waste. Among its changes is the removal of several businesses from requirements for time-consuming audits. The bill is intended to spur and expand real estate development opportunities in Connecticut.

“With passage in the House of Senate Bill 1030, Connecticut is repositioned to redevelop and renovate numerous properties which previously would be unmarketable,” said Sen. Hartley. “While this is just the first step to modernizing the Transfer Act, many Connecticut real estate markets, many of which are in urban areas, will now be unencumbered, resulting in a significant growth in the real estate market and the overall economy. I am particularly pleased that after an intense process working with the Commissioners of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Economic and Community Development, as well as related private sector representatives, there is a commitment to continue to work on reasonable changes which continue our good environmental stewardship and simultaneously spur economic development in our commercial and industrial properties.”

“This is a pro-business and pro-environment bill that will stimulate economic growth and help clean up more properties,” said Representative Caroline Simmons (D-Stamford), co-chair of the Commerce Committee. “I want to thank Senator Hartley for her leadership on this critical piece of legislation to our state’s economy.”

Senate Bill No. 1030, “An Act Concerning the Audit Period for the Transfer of Hazardous Waste Establishments,” excludes certain properties and businesses from the Transfer Act by narrowing types of hazardous waste considered under that legislation.

Further, the bill shortens the audit window for Transfer Act final verifications from three years to one year beginning October 1, 2019, requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to complete such audits within three years, and requires the Commerce and Environment committee chairs to convene a working group to examine and possibly recommend changes to the Transfer Act by February 2020.

Senator Will Haskell Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

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Senator Will Haskell Cheers State Budget’s Creation Of Debt-Free Community College Program

Senate Democrats Photo

Senator Will Haskell speaks Tuesday on a new debt-free community college program in the State Capitol.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) cheered the Senate’s approval of a state budget that expands access to higher education and will provide a ladder of opportunity through Connecticut’s community colleges. The budget will provide a roadmap to the state for debt-free community college.

“As Chair of the Higher Education and Advancement Committee, I am ecstatic to see this program move forward,” said Sen. Haskell. “My generation has seen firsthand the cost of higher education continue to snowball, and the debt required to earn a degree leaves young people in Connecticut at a huge disadvantage. This pathway to debt-free community college empowers students to gain the skills they’ll need to fuel our state’s economic growth. With 75 percent of jobs requiring education beyond a high school diploma by 2025, Connecticut is planning ahead and preparing students to succeed. This bill will help our workers, our students and our employers. It’s beneficial for all.”

“Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “This reality influences where college graduates decide to live and what careers they are able to pursue. When students are not confident residing and working in Connecticut, that concern has a ripple effect on our communities and our economy. This legislation will change that and allow students attending regional-technical colleges to graduate without debt and encourage them to start their careers in our state. It’s an enlightened policy and I’m pleased to see it included in the budget.”

“This is a great investment in the future of Connecticut,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “When students can attend one of our regional community-technical colleges and graduate debt free, that influences their decision to live, work, or start a family in Connecticut. Community colleges are the backbone of our communities and help to create a workforce pipeline that prepares students for the 21st century economy. This legislation helps students who deserve to attend school without the burden of debt and benefits workers, employers, and our economy.”

As part of the state budget, high school graduates attending regional community-technical colleges will have the opportunity to graduate from those institutions without accruing debt starting in the second year of the biennial budget.

Starting in the fall of 2020, students will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take while enrolled for the first three years they are enrolled, required to take 12 credits per semester. That requirement includes remedial courses. Students would be required to be in good academic standing and accept all available financial aid supplied to them.

Current projections say the investment in community college programs could increase enrollment by up to 2,310 students in the first year, additionally helping nearly 7,000 students receive education without paying tuition or fees.

This program further supports the state’s education systems by requiring students to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form. By encouraging students to submit this form, the state then gains federal support, as a higher number of submitted forms provides Connecticut with additional government funding.

While the program will cost approximately $6.1 million in its first year, new students entering the community college system are expected to bring up to $7.6 million in new tuition revenue, partially from the additional federal funding.

Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country, said Senator Looney in testimony supporting the plan, and the legislation would directly address that issue.

“In order for Connecticut to be a favorable option for [new graduates], it is critical that we as a state invest in our future,” said ten Senate Democrats who submitted testimony when the plan was considered as legislation. “A fundamental pillar of our future is the young people growing up in Connecticut and the young people that may consider moving to Connecticut. We need this group to stay and grow Connecticut. Our businesses, our economy and our prosperity depend on it.”

Supporters of Committee Bill No. 273 include Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Executive Director Subira Gordon, who noted that for every dollar invested in public secondary education, states see returns of between $3 and $4. Further support came from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges President Bryan R. Bonita, and several current and former Connecticut college students, who noted that the cost of public college education in Connecticut increased nearly three times faster than inflation from 1971 to 2019.

“To earn a 4-year degree, a student may have to take on $100,000 in debt,” said Timothy Bristol of Stratford, who recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with $32,366 in debt. “Compare that to 1971, where a student could get a four-year degree for around $40,000, adjusted for inflation.”