Author: Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Support Student Scholarships

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Support Student Scholarships

Senator MD Rahman, voted Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation makes college more affordable by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Foundation functions as intended by providing financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut.

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200.These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by Nov. 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

“Higher education is a great way to build opportunities and open doors but its price tag should not be a barrier that keeps Connecticut students from pursuing their goals,” Senator Rahman said. “This bill strengthens our scholarship program so more families can afford in-state colleges and students can focus on learning instead of worrying about how to pay for it.”

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“The cost of higher education continues to grow, and our underfunded state scholarship program encourages students to seek education elsewhere,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “By investing in our students, we are allowing Connecticut students to stay in this state to receive their education, enter the workforce, grow our economy and enjoy the high-quality life we have built here in Connecticut.”

“Right now, the federal government is taking aim at higher education,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “In Connecticut, we know that a highly skilled workforce is the lifeblood of a strong economy. This legislation ensures not only that we are retaining talent, but that we are providing some relief to hardworking students and their families when it comes to the rising cost of higher education.”Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Senator Gaston Leads Passage of Bill Expanding The Fallen Hero Fund

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Senator Gaston Leads Passage of Bill Expanding The Fallen Hero Fund

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, led Senate Passage of a bill that will expand the Public Safety Fund originally created to support families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

Senate Bill 1239, ‘An Act Concerning The Fallen Hero Fund And Providing Health Insurance Coverage To Survivors Of First Responders Who Are Killed In The Line Of Duty,’ expands the Public Safety Fund to provide the same financial assistance and health benefits to families of other emergency first responders including firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.

“First Responders across Connecticut should all receive the same level of support, recognizing the risks they face every day on the job,” said Sen. Gaston. “We owe our emergency services personnel, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, a debt of gratitude for their selfless dedication to keeping our communities safe. This legislation ensures that when tragedy strikes, the families of these brave men and women will not face financial uncertainty and will continue to have the support they need during an incredibly difficult time.”

Under this bill, $100,000 will be given to the surviving family members of any police officer, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic who loses their life while on duty. The bill also includes for continued health insurance coverage for the surviving family members for one year, with the option to renew coverage annually for up to five years.

In written testimony submitted by the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, President Peter Brown wrote, “This bill is crucial for providing essential support to the families of firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day, facing dangers that most of us can only imagine. When tragedy strikes, and a firefighter is lost in the line of duty, their families are left to cope with unimaginable grief while also facing significant financial burdens. SB 1239 offers a lifeline to these families during their most vulnerable time. This bill provides financial assistance and extends healthcare coverage for surviving spouses and dependents. These expanded benefits are not merely a gesture of goodwill; they are a vital necessity.”

Brown said, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), 89 firefighters were killed in the line-of-duty in the United States in 2023. In Connecticut, four firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty in the past 10 years.

The financial burdens faced by families after losing a firefighter are often overwhelming. After the unexpected death of a firefighter, a family not only faces the emotional burden of losing a loved one; they also face the significant financial hardship. This bill will help provide them with financial security and peace of mind they need to rebuild their lives after such a devastating loss.

Senate Passes Landmark Climate and Environmental Protection Bill

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Landmark Climate and Environmental Protection Bill

Today, the State Senate passed a Senate Democratic Caucus priority bill aimed at strengthening the state’s ability to adapt to climate change, protect natural resources, and ensure safer communities. This climate resiliency and environmental protection bill addresses three primary areas including:

-Climate resilience measures

-Rodenticide regulation

-Neonicotinoid pesticide control measures

Senate bill 9, ‘An Act Concerning The Environment, Climate and Sustainable Municipal And State Planning, And The Use Of Neonicotinoids And Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides,’ is a comprehensive environmental measure that strengthens Connecticut by protecting public health, wildlife, and natural resources.

“This legislation represents a bold and necessary step toward protecting both our environment and public health,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “By addressing climate resilience, restricting toxic pesticides, and safeguarding pollinators, Senate Bill 9 ensures Connecticut is better prepared for the future while leading the way on environmental responsibility.”

Climate Resilience

This portion of the bill is focused on climate resilience and adaptation, providing Connecticut communities with new tools to prepare for flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme climate related events. The bill modernizes local and state planning processes, expands flood risk disclosure requirements, and creates funding mechanisms for climate-ready infrastructure.

It will create the following measures:

-Sellers, landlords, and lenders will be required to disclose flood history and risk to buyers and renters, promoting transparency and better decision-making for Connecticut residents.

-The bill will expand submission requirements under the Connecticut Coastal Management Act to include more high-risk areas and removes exemptions for single-family homes in vulnerable zones.

-The bill incorporates climate vulnerability assessments and resiliency goals into future municipal and regional conservation and development plans using the latest geospatial data.

-Municipalities will be able to create improvement districts to fund and implement infrastructure projects that reduce climate risks, support economic development, and provide more housing opportunities.

-Local and regional zoning commissions are authorized to adopt regulations that address and mitigate climate threats and support regional Transfer of Development Rights programs.

-Municipalities can enter agreements to support regional Transfer of Development Rights programs which can reduce development in hazardous zones or environmentally sensitive areas.

-And state, regional, and municipal plans will be updated to align with climate data and hazard mitigation goals.

Rodenticide regulation

This bill will require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to classify second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) as restricted use pesticides. They will only be allowed to be applied by, or under the supervision of, a certified pesticide applicator. Certification requires an exam and annual registration. Restricting rodenticide use helps prevent secondary poisoning and supports healthier ecosystems.

Rodenticides are pesticides that kill rodents, including mice and rats. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, rodenticides are often formulated as baits with attractive substances like peanut butter or molasses. Rodenticide baits can provide short-term control of rodent infestations. Regulation of rodenticides is crucial due to their potential harm to non-target species, including pets, wildlife, and even humans. Rodenticides can cause secondary poisoning when predators or scavengers consume rodents that have ingested the poison, leading to illness or death in animals.

Neonicotinoid pesticide ban

Beginning October 1, 2027, this bill will take steps to prohibit the use of neonicotinoids. However, use can continue in some instances, including:

-In agriculture, trees, ornamental shrubbery, and seeds
-To control invasive invertebrate pests, if DEEP determines there is no effective alternative
-Products not labeled for plant use, such as indoor pest control or pet treatments

This legislation positions Connecticut as a national leader in pollinator protection while balancing agricultural and public health needs.

Neonicotinoid pesticides (often called neonics) are considered harmful primarily because of their impact on pollinators and ecosystems.

According to the National Institute of Health, Neonicotinoids are a type of pesticide that kill insects by affecting their brains and nervous systems. They work by locking onto special receptors in the insects’ nerves—receptors that also exist in humans and other animals. Because of this, scientists are concerned that these chemicals could also harm people, pets, and wildlife.

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO WITHHOLD PAYMENTS FOR VIOLATING PREVAILING WAGE LAWS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO WITHHOLD PAYMENTS FOR VIOLATING PREVAILING WAGE LAWS

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today led bipartisan Senate passage of a bill that will withhold state payments to contractors who are found guilty of violating prevailing wage laws while working on state projects.

Senate Bill 1488, “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE COMPTROLLER TO WITHHOLD PAYMENT FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PREVAILING WAGE STATUTES,” passed the Senate on a bipartisan 27-8 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“This bill is just good common sense in that the state shouldn’t be paying on a state project where the contractor has violated state law and has ceased working,” Sen. Kushner said. “Why would we continue to pay them?”

SB 1488 allows the labor commissioner to notify the state comptroller when she has issued a stop work order against a contractor or subcontractor for a prevailing wage violation on a public works project. Once the comptroller receives that notice, he may withhold payment to the contractor or subcontractor the order was issued against until the (1) labor commissioner releases the stop work order, (2) the contractor or subcontractor pays any penalties imposed under

the prevailing wage law or the law on additional wage-related penalties, or (3) the parties finalize a settlement agreement.

Connecticut’s prevailing wage law generally requires contractors and subcontractors on certain public works projects to pay their construction workers wages and benefits equal to those that are customary or prevailing for the same work, in the same occupation, in the same town. The requirement applies to new construction projects costing at least $1 million and renovation projects costing at least $100,000.

Two years ago, Sen. Kushner led Senate passage of a different bill to strengthen the penalties against contractors who refuse to pay their employees the prevailing wage on building projects, or who don’t maintain worker’s compensation insurance in case one of their workers is injured on the job. In 2023, Senate Bill 1035 broadened the state Department of Labor’s authority to issue stop work orders to include instances where a contractor or a subcontractor knowingly or willfully pays an employee less than the prevailing wage that’s required on a public works project. That bill also increased the civil penalty for violating a stop work order from $1,000 a day to $5,000 for each day that an order is violated.

Senator Hochadel Votes to Increase Scholarships for Connecticut Students

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Votes to Increase Scholarships for Connecticut Students

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, voted Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation makes college more affordable by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Foundation functions as intended by providing financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut.

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200.These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by Nov. 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

“For too many students, pursuing an education means taking on enough debt to hold them back for years after graduation,” Senator Hochadel said. “Making college more affordable helps students focus on learning instead of how they’re going to pay for it. Strengthening our scholarship program is an investment in our future workforce and Connecticut’s long-term success.”

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“The cost of higher education continues to grow, and our underfunded state scholarship program encourages students to seek education elsewhere,” Senate President Martin Looney said. “By investing in our students, we are allowing Connecticut students to stay in this state to receive their education, enter the workforce, grow our economy and enjoy the high-quality life we have built here in Connecticut.”

“Right now, the federal government is taking aim at higher education,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said. “In Connecticut, we know that a highly skilled workforce is the lifeblood of a strong economy. This legislation ensures not only that we are retaining talent, but that we are providing some relief to hardworking students and their families when it comes to the rising cost of higher education.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Senator Maroney Leads Senate Passage of Artificial Intelligence Bill

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Senator Maroney Leads Senate Passage of Artificial Intelligence Bill

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, led Senate Passage on a Senate Democratic Caucus priority bill concerning the application of Artificial Intelligence.

Senate Bill 2, ‘An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence’, will work to create regulations for Artificial Intelligence in Connecticut. This bill will focus on:

1.Transparency and accountability;

2.Training Connecticut’s workforce to use artificial intelligence;

3.Criminalization of non-consensual intimate images

“With this legislation, we are taking a big step forward to protect our communities from the risks of artificial intelligence, promote innovation that reflects our values, and empower every resident with the skills they need to thrive,” said Senator Maroney. “This bill positions us as a national leader in responsible innovation—ensuring that AI works for everyone and that no one is left behind in our rapidly evolving economy.”

Senate Bill 2:
Transparency and Accountability

This legislation will work to put in appropriate safety guardrails in areas where AI is being used to make important decisions about people’s lives, like housing, lending, employment, and government services. 80-88% of companies are using AI to make employment decisions. 50-70% (depending on survey) or large landlords are using AI for screening tenants.

A key provision of the newly introduced bill focuses on transparency in the use of artificial intelligence, ensuring that consumers are fully informed when interacting with AI systems. Under this legislation, companies will be required to clearly disclose when an individual is engaging with AI rather than a human. If AI is being used to make consequential decisions—such as those affecting employment, credit, housing, healthcare, or other critical services—businesses must explicitly inform individuals of this use. By mandating clear disclosures, the bill aims to uphold consumer rights, promote accountability, and build public trust in the deployment of AI technologies.

Connecticut will build upon legislation passed in 2023 that encompasses transparency and accountability surrounding AI. These companies will need to show proper safety parameters are being made to protect consumers from the potential hazards of AI.

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a regular part of daily life, shaping the way Americans work, play and receive essential services.  A recent Pew Research Center report highlighted an increasing call for regulation in this area finding that six-in-tend US adults say they’re skeptical of industry efforts around responsible AI and that companies will not go far enough to develop and use AI responsibility without regulation.

Training Connecticut’s Workforce to use Artificial Intelligence

The intersection of workforce development and artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can improve productivity and lead to innovations, its impact on the workforce has raised concerns about potential negative consequences.

Challenges can include automation, skill gaps and economic inequality. While AI can create new jobs, these roles often require specialized skills, meaning employees may need to reskill, which can be difficult without access to education or training programs. To mitigate these challenges, workforce retraining should be made accessible. This legislation will work to provide training opportunities to Connecticut residents while reaching people where they are.

The bill calls for the creation of the AI Safety Institute, a new resource in the state of Connecticut dedicated to promoting responsible, ethical and trust-worthy AI development. The Institute will provide tools, guidance, and best practices to help businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—design AI systems that are safe, unbiased, and aligned with internationally recognized standards. It will encourage organizations to conduct impact assessments and adopt industry-leading practices from the outset of AI development. By working at the cross-section of industry, academic research, and policy, the AI Safety institute will help ensure that there is a collaborative approach to stay current and push the boundary of how trust-worthy AI is developed and deployed promoting innovation in the region and beyond.

In tandem, the newly established AI Academy will offer training courses to help individuals and businesses learn how to use AI technologies effectively and responsibly. Together, the AI Safety Institute and AI Academy will serve as vital resources to ensure that AI systems used in Connecticut are transparent, trustworthy, and aligned with the public interest.

Recognizing that artificial intelligence will significantly shape the future of work, the bill directs the Department of Labor to begin monitoring and reporting on the impact of AI on the workforce. This includes tracking job displacement, job creation, and changes in the nature of work driven by AI technologies. By systematically collecting and analyzing this data, the state aims to better understand emerging labor trends and ensure that workforce development strategies are aligned with the evolving demands of the AI era.
50% of gateway jobs are at risk of being automated by generative AI. Under this legislation, we will work to provide opportunities to get careers and provide skills to stay relevant in today’s job market.

Hiring algorithms have been shown to discriminate based on age. Some algorithms have given higher interest rates for loans based on race, and many government used algorithms in other states, ranging from provision of SNAP benefits to deciding when to investigate reported incidents of child abuse, have been shown to discriminate based on income.

The online world has the increased capacity to store data online that can relinquish unwanted results. AI can produce ethical challenges including lack of transparency and un-neutralized decisions. Choices made through AI can be susceptible to inaccuracies, discriminatory outcomes, and inserted bias.
Recently, an AI Caucus was created in Connecticut. The AI Caucus will advocate for policies that ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. By fostering collaboration between lawmakers, industry leaders, and experts, the caucus aims to promote AI systems that are fair, unbiased, and aligned with public interests.

Criminalizing Deepfake Porn 

Under this legislation, the bill will work to prohibit the use of AI to make deepfake porn of people, including the use of AI to create revenge porn.

In November of 2023, an undisclosed number of girls at a New Jersey high school learned that one or more students at their school had used an artificial intelligence tool to generate what appeared to be nude images of them. Those images were being shared among classmates. These AI-generated images that impose a face or body onto another to make it look like someone else is a called a deepfake photo.
Not all deepfake photos are porn; any time a face is imposed onto another body or a face is used to assign spoken words to someone who did not say the thing, it is a deepfake (no nudity required).

Deepfakes can use the face, voice or partial image of a real person and meld it with other imagery to make it look or sound like a depiction of that person. Under this proposal, there will be an update made to the revenge porn statutes to include generative AI images & put prohibition on models on child porn or nonconsensual images.

More Background
On May 17, 2024, Colorado passed the first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence bill in the United States. Colorado’s bill will impose obligations on developers and deployers of high-risk AI systems in an effort to protect consumers from discriminatory consequential decisions by such systems. It primarily targets AI systems that make significant decisions impacting individuals access to services like education, employment and healthcare.

This year, Connecticut formed the Artificial Intelligence Caucus with the foal to ensure that AI serves the public good and does not become a tool for harm. The AI Caucus will work with our advocates to facilitate innovation and prevent discrimination in AI.

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF AI LEGISLATION FOCUSED ON PROPER USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF AI LEGISLATION FOCUSED ON PROPER USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation aimed at regulating Artificial Intelligence in Connecticut. This bill seeks to regulate transparency and accountability of AI, implement workforce training and criminalize improper uses of AI technology.

The bill seeks to make Connecticut just the second state to implement regulated use of AI as both the adoption and risks of misuse has grown in the past few years.

“Artificial intelligence has opportunities to deliver real positive and meaningful change in a number of industries. It also has significant downsides in adoption and use without guardrails, and without better monitoring, it stands the risk of harming Connecticut residents,” said Sen. Anwar. “I applaud my colleagues for developing thorough legislation seeking to improve transparency, accountability, training opportunities and oversight of AI, especially regarding misuse of deepfakes. These are strong steps forward in a fluid environment that can make our state a leader in how to best support AI.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” focuses specifically on transparency and accountability, workforce training and criminalization of non-consensual intimate images in the use of AI technology.

Regarding transparency, the bill seeks to ensure consumers are informed when they are interacting with AI platforms and chatbots instead of humans. Businesses must also inform the public when AI is being used to make consequential decisions, such as those that could impact employment, housing or health care, with the intent of upholding consumer rights and improving public trust in AI adoption.

These steps could not come sooner; according to Pew Research, as many as 60% of Americans are skeptical about responsible use of AI and believe companies will not focus on responsible use of the technology.

Additionally, the bill seeks to create an AI Safety Institute and an AI Academy, which will respectively support businesses in building safe AI systems without bias and offer training courses to individuals and businesses to encourage effective, responsible use of the technology. These will support training and potential retraining of workers while encouraging development of responsible AI without bias or discrimination, which could come unconsciously.

Finally, the bill seeks to prohibit the use of AI to develop “deepfake porn” or “revenge porn”; under the bill, “revenge porn” statutes will include generative AI images and prohibit development of functions on nonconsensual or underage image.

The bill passed the Senate by a 32-4 tally.

Looney & Winfield Support Passage of Bill to Strengthen Housing Code Enforcement in New Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Winfield Support Passage of Bill to Strengthen Housing Code Enforcement in New Haven

HARTFORD—Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) today voted in support of passage of Senate Bill 1317, “An Act Concerning Liens for Violations of the Housing Code or Public Place Ordinances.” The bill, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, aims to enhance the ability of municipalities to enforce housing and public place ordinances by allowing unpaid penalties to become liens on the associated properties.

“This legislation is a critical tool for cities like New Haven to ensure that property owners are held accountable for maintaining safe and healthy living conditions,” said Senator Looney. “By enabling municipalities to place liens for unpaid penalties, we are reinforcing the importance of adhering to housing codes and public ordinances. Stregthening enforcement will ultimately benefit all residents and prevent creeping blight in our neighborhoods.”

“When housing density is high, it only takes a few violations to impact entire neighborhoods,” said Senator Winfield. “This bill empowers New Haven and other cities to take necessary actions to uphold housing standards and protect public spaces.”

SB 1317 addresses the challenges municipalities face in collecting fines for housing code violations and public place ordinance infractions. By permitting unpaid penalties to constitute liens on real estate from the date of the penalty, the bill provides a more effective mechanism for municipalities to enforce compliance and maintain community standards.

The bill, which passed 29-6 in the Senate, is now awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives.

Looney & Winfield Support Passage of Bill to Strengthen Housing Code Enforcement in New Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Winfield Support Passage of Bill to Strengthen Housing Code Enforcement in New Haven

HARTFORD—Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) today voted in support of passage of Senate Bill 1317, “An Act Concerning Liens for Violations of the Housing Code or Public Place Ordinances.” The bill, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, aims to enhance the ability of municipalities to enforce housing and public place ordinances by allowing unpaid penalties to become liens on the associated properties.

“This legislation is a critical tool for cities like New Haven to ensure that property owners are held accountable for maintaining safe and healthy living conditions,” said Senator Looney. “By enabling municipalities to place liens for unpaid penalties, we are reinforcing the importance of adhering to housing codes and public ordinances. Stregthening enforcement will ultimately benefit all residents and prevent creeping blight in our neighborhoods.”

“When housing density is high, it only takes a few violations to impact entire neighborhoods,” said Senator Winfield. “This bill empowers New Haven and other cities to take necessary actions to uphold housing standards and protect public spaces.”

SB 1317 addresses the challenges municipalities face in collecting fines for housing code violations and public place ordinance infractions. By permitting unpaid penalties to constitute liens on real estate from the date of the penalty, the bill provides a more effective mechanism for municipalities to enforce compliance and maintain community standards.

The bill, which passed 29-6 in the Senate, is now awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives.

Senator Anwar Joins Passage Of Legislation Supporting Thousands of CT College Students

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Anwar Joins Passage Of Legislation Supporting Thousands of CT College Students

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 5, “An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability.” This legislation is a top priority of Connecticut Senate Democrats and takes aim at college affordability by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation which provides financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut, excluding community colleges, functions as intended.

“Connecticut’s colleges and universities are supporting countless students today, but growing costs mean students are looking for the best opportunities for them – which doesn’t always mean staying in Connecticut,” said Sen. Anwar. “This bill seeks to fix a program needing attention to ensure its maximum utilization by students, a shift that should support thousands of Connecticut students to stay in-state for higher education and possibly build careers and lives here.”

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200. These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by November 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.