SENATOR MARX JOINS CONGRESSMAN COURTNEY, EASTERN CONNECTICUT NURSES TO CALL OUT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOAN CAPS FOR NURSES
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Author: SDO Automation
TODAY, 11AM, NORWICH: REP. COURTNEY, SEN. MARX, CONNECTICUT NURSES TO DECRY FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CAPS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
TODAY, 11AM, NORWICH: REP. COURTNEY, SEN. MARX, CONNECTICUT NURSES TO DECRY FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CAPS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
Who: U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney
Connecticut State Senator Martha Marx
Mary Ellen Jukoski, President of CT State Quinebaug Valley and CT State Three Rivers
Victoria Vaughn Dickson, Dean of the UConn Elisabeth Deluca School of Nursing
Kimberly Sandor, Executive Director of the Connecticut Nurses’ Association
Terri Williams, President of the Connecticut Association of Nursing Anesthesiology
Where: CT State Three Rivers, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT – Second-Floor Nursing Lab
When: Monday, May 18, 11 a.m.
This morning, U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, State Senator Martha Marx, a career nurse, and educational and nursing leaders will come together to decry new federal caps for graduate degree loans. The Department of Education’s new rules exclude several degrees, including nursing and social work, from its definition of “professional,” which imposes a cap on student loans, halving the amounts students can borrow.
Congressman Courtney and Senator Marx will call attention to this cut in aid despite approximately one in four to one in five students’ costs exceeding the newly imposed caps. They will also note that the cuts impact health care roles despite persistent staffing shortages in the health care industry in recent years, with potential negative impacts on workforce pipelines and quality of care.
MONDAY, NORWICH: REP. COURTNEY, SEN. MARX, CONNECTICUT NURSES TO DECRY FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CAPS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
MONDAY, NORWICH: REP. COURTNEY, SEN. MARX, CONNECTICUT NURSES TO DECRY FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CAPS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
Who: U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney
Connecticut State Senator Martha Marx
Mary Ellen Jukoski, President of CT State Quinebaug Valley and CT State Three Rivers
Victoria Vaughn Dickson, Dean of the UConn Elisabeth Deluca School of Nursing
Kimberly Sandor, Executive Director of the Connecticut Nurses’ Association
Terri Williams, President of the Connecticut Association of Nursing Anesthesiology
Where: CT State Three Rivers, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT – Second-Floor Nursing Lab
When: Monday, May 18, 11 a.m.
On Monday morning, U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, State Senator Martha Marx, a career nurse, and educational and nursing leaders will come together to decry new federal caps for graduate degree loans. The Department of Education’s new rules exclude several degrees, including nursing and social work, from its definition of “professional,” which imposes a cap on student loans, halving the amounts students can borrow.
Congressman Courtney and Senator Marx will call attention to this cut in aid despite approximately one in four to one in five students’ costs exceeding the newly imposed caps. They will also note that the cuts impact health care roles despite persistent staffing shortages in the health care industry in recent years, with potential negative impacts on workforce pipelines and quality of care.
Looney, Duff, Gadkar-Wilcox, Slap Release Statement Following Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former CSCU Chancellor
Looney, Duff, Gadkar-Wilcox, Slap Release Statement Following Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former CSCU Chancellor
HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport) and Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) released a statement about allegations against the former CSCU Chancellor John Maduko.
“We are extremely disturbed by the allegations that former CSCU Chancellor John Maduko persistently sexually harassed a female employee under his supervision. And even more disconcerting is the claim that the harassment carried on for years without any clear response or strong action by the CSCU Board of Regents or by Human Resources.
“A culture of permissiveness and lack of action is exactly what leads to hostile work environments – often for women – and further enables escalated acts of violence to go unaccounted for as well. Title IX was enacted specifically to ensure that educational institutions investigate and act upon claims of discrimination and sexual harassment. And in accordance with these legal mandates, we demand a statement from the CSCU Board of Regents that details their response to this allegation and the origin of the claim years ago.
“Finally, we are outraged by the alleged statement reported by CT Insider that Board Chair Marty Guay stated that he once fired a woman because she reported sexual harassment. We demand an explanation of this statement, which on its face is unlawful and unacceptable.
“While we appreciate that Dr. Maduko has resigned, we believe that this action is insufficient to address the alleged misconduct involved and especially the inaction by Board Chair Guay and General Counsel Karen Buffkin in response to these persistent allegations.
“In the legislature, we have taken action to support the rights of individuals to be free from sexual exploitation, including two bills addressing human trafficking, and explicitly recognizing victims of sexual assault as a protected class. We cannot tolerate the kind of conduct that is alleged in these reports. We demand better, and are not willing to allow a culture of silence and inaction to outweigh the rights of every employee to a harassment free work environment and to equal protection of our laws.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
Looney, Duff, Gadkar-Wilcox, Slap Release Statement Following Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former CSCU Chancellor
Looney, Duff, Gadkar-Wilcox, Slap Release Statement Following Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former CSCU Chancellor
HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport) and Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) released a statement about allegations against the former CSCU Chancellor John Maduko.
“We are extremely disturbed by the allegations that former CSCU Chancellor John Maduko persistently sexually harassed a female employee under his supervision. And even more disconcerting is the claim that the harassment carried on for years without any clear response or strong action by the CSCU Board of Regents or by Human Resources.
“A culture of permissiveness and lack of action is exactly what leads to hostile work environments – often for women – and further enables escalated acts of violence to go unaccounted for as well. Title IX was enacted specifically to ensure that educational institutions investigate and act upon claims of discrimination and sexual harassment. And in accordance with these legal mandates, we demand a statement from the CSCU Board of Regents that details their response to this allegation and the origin of the claim years ago.
“Finally, we are outraged by the alleged statement reported by CT Insider that Board Chair Marty Guay stated that he once fired a woman because she reported sexual harassment. We demand an explanation of this statement, which on its face is unlawful and unacceptable.
“While we appreciate that Dr. Maduko has resigned, we believe that this action is insufficient to address the alleged misconduct involved and especially the inaction by Board Chair Guay and General Counsel Karen Buffkin in response to these persistent allegations.
“In the legislature, we have taken action to support the rights of individuals to be free from sexual exploitation, including two bills addressing human trafficking, and explicitly recognizing victims of sexual assault as a protected class. We cannot tolerate the kind of conduct that is alleged in these reports. We demand better, and are not willing to allow a culture of silence and inaction to outweigh the rights of every employee to a harassment free work environment and to equal protection of our laws.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
Looney, Duff Applaud Governor’s Release of $30 Million to Offset Republican Federal Cuts
Looney, Duff Applaud Governor’s Release of $30 Million to Offset Republican Federal Cuts
HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded Governor Lamont’s release of $30 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to support various efforts to counteract cuts from the Trump regime and Republicans in Washington, D.C. The Senate leaders released the following statement.
“As the Trump regime slashes the federal programs that our residents depend on, Connecticut is refusing to let those cuts go unanswered. Washington Republicans are causing longer waits for unemployment checks, pushing families into homelessness, leaving refugees with nowhere to turn, and destroying our health care system. We cannot let that stand.
“We thank Governor Lamont for acting to protect the people and institutions that keep Connecticut functioning. From the caseworkers processing unemployment claims to the staff at IRIS welcoming refugees, these are the people who show up every day to hold our communities together. This funding ensures they can keep doing that work.
“We await word whether the Connecticut Senate and House MAGA caucuses believe residents should be shielded from these cuts or are too afraid to admit the real damage the Trump regime is doing to our state.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
Looney, Duff Applaud Governor’s Release of $30 Million to Offset Republican Federal Cuts
Looney, Duff Applaud Governor’s Release of $30 Million to Offset Republican Federal Cuts
HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded Governor Lamont’s release of $30 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to support various efforts to counteract cuts from the Trump regime and Republicans in Washington, D.C. The Senate leaders released the following statement.
“As the Trump regime slashes the federal programs that our residents depend on, Connecticut is refusing to let those cuts go unanswered. Washington Republicans are causing longer waits for unemployment checks, pushing families into homelessness, leaving refugees with nowhere to turn, and destroying our health care system. We cannot let that stand.
“We thank Governor Lamont for acting to protect the people and institutions that keep Connecticut functioning. From the caseworkers processing unemployment claims to the staff at IRIS welcoming refugees, these are the people who show up every day to hold our communities together. This funding ensures they can keep doing that work.
“We await word whether the Connecticut Senate and House MAGA caucuses believe residents should be shielded from these cuts or are too afraid to admit the real damage the Trump regime is doing to our state.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
SENATOR SLAP JOINS STATE LEADERS TO HIGHLIGHT $35 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR UCONN AND UCONN HEALTH
SENATOR SLAP JOINS STATE LEADERS TO HIGHLIGHT $35 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR UCONN AND UCONN HEALTH
SENATOR SLAP JOINS STATE LEADERS TO HIGHLIGHT $35 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR UCONN AND UCONN HEALTH
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, joined state leaders at the University of Connecticut in Storrs including Governor Lamont, his fellow Higher Education co-chair State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield), State Senator Mae Flexer (D-Windham) and UConn President Radenka Maric to highlight the release of $35 million in support for the University of Connecticut and UConn Health.
“This is a big deal, and I’m grateful to state leaders, the American Association of University Professors, UConn and UConn Health for coming to the table and working to preserve this vital aid,” said Sen. Slap. “Research helps us solve important problems impacting our world, and in our state, it’s vital for our economy. When the Trump administration acted last year to unilaterally and unlawfully cut tens of millions of dollars in federal funding, we knew we needed to act. We can’t afford to fill every cut made by the federal government, but this is one of the most important actions we can take to preserve our current standards, and it will keep our state moving forward.”
The funds, to be released from the state’s Federal Cuts Response Fund, will provide economic relief for UConn and UConn Health due to a loss of federal research grants. In 2025, the Trump administration canceled and ended numerous grant programs providing significant support to vital research programs in higher education, harming Connecticut’s higher education research, vital for the state’s economy.
At the start of the 2026 legislative session, Sen. Slap and Rep. Haddad introduced and led passage of legislation out of the Higher Education Committee to provide support to UConn and UConn Health. Preserving university and health research stood as a priority for legislators this year, with today’s investment fulfilling that need.
Sen. Slap also drew attention to a second advancement through the state budget, the creation of a state student loan program supporting students pursuing graduate programs such as nursing and social work. In 2025, the federal Department of Education made significant changes to how student loans for graduate school are considered, expected to increase the cost of pursuing these degrees. As the state and country continue to face shortages of health care workers and other vital roles, the grant program will help prevent further erosion of these workforces.
Caption: Sen. Slap speaks Thursday at the University of Connecticut.
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Senator Honig Applauds $22.5 Million in State Relief for Connecticut Dairy Farmers
Senator Honig Applauds $22.5 Million in State Relief for Connecticut Dairy Farmers
HARTFORD — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) today praised Governor Ned Lamont’s decision to release $22.5 million from the Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide immediate financial relief to Connecticut’s dairy farmers.
“Farmers in towns like Granby, Harwinton, and New Hartford are getting squeezed from every direction right now. Federal pricing policy favors large corporate operations over family dairies, tariffs have pushed up the cost of fertilizer and equipment, and retaliatory trade actions are cutting into export markets,” Senator Honig said. “The math is brutal. This $22.5 million in state relief won’t fix Washington’s choices, but it keeps farms in business while we wait for federal policy to catch up. I’m glad Connecticut built this fund and I’m glad the Governor moved fast.”
The Federal Cuts Response Fund was established to allow Connecticut to respond rapidly to harmful federal policy changes affecting state residents. As required under the law, Governor Lamont will transmit notice to the six bipartisan legislative leaders, who have 24 hours to review the planned expenditure before funds are transferred.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |
Looney, Duff Applaud Governor’s Release of $35 Million in Economic Relief for UConn and UConn Health
Looney, Duff Applaud Governor’s Release of $35 Million in Economic Relief for UConn and UConn Health
“Republicans in Washington are purposefully targeting the economic engines of blue states.”
HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded Governor Lamont’s release of $35 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide economic relief for the University of Connecticut and UConn Health due to a loss of federal research grants. The Senate leaders released the following statement.
“As the Trump regime wages its reckless assault on federal research funding, Connecticut is refusing to let our flagship university absorb those cuts alone. While the headlines say these are research grants, we know what they translate to in reality: Connecticut jobs. Republicans in Washington are purposefully targeting the economic engines of blue states. We can’t stand idly by as UConn and UConn Health suffer economic damage from the hateful and financially illogical decisions by MAGA.
“We thank Governor Lamont for moving to deploy these resources. The Federal Cuts Response Fund was established through a partnership between Senate Democrats, House Democrats, and the Governor because we knew this damage would come and, unfortunately, will continue until sound economic policies return to Washington. Today’s action is a demonstration of what it looks like when state government responds to federal Republican dysfunction with purpose and resolve.
“We know how misguided these federal cuts are, but we don’t know if the Connecticut Senate and House MAGA caucuses will stand up for Connecticut’s economy or once again bend the knee in fealty to the person they serve above all else, Donald Trump.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193
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