Mary Fortier

Starting January 1, Connecticut college students will be able to benefit from a bill we passed to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Office of Higher Education (OHE) may approve the participation of any person in the student loan reimbursement program who meets the following requirements:

1. Must have graduated from a Connecticut state public or private college or university with a bachelor’s or associate degree or have an occupational/professional license or certificate or left such college in good standing and was granted a hardship waiver by the Office of Higher Education.
2. Must be a CT resident for at least five years.
3. Must have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $125,000 for single applicants and file a federal tax return as unmarried or have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $175,000 for married applicants and file a federal tax return as head of household, married filing jointly or a surviving spouse.
4. Must have an outstanding student loan balance and have made payments in 2024 toward federal direct loans, federal direct PLUS loans, federal Perkins loans, CHESLA loans, other state’s sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
5. Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization that is registered with the Department of Consumer Protection, municipal government, served on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization, or has military service after January 1, 2024.

This program represents a true bipartisan effort and will have a direct impact not only on Connecticut’s economy but also on its workforce.
 
Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opens on January 1. For more information or to apply in January, click HERE.

Access Health CT (AHCT) has announced that the deadline to enroll in health and dental coverage starting Jan. 1, 2025, is  this Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

Customers who enroll from Dec. 16, 2024, through Jan. 15, 2025, will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2025. The Open Enrollment Period for Connecticut residents to shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance or renew their coverage began Nov. 1, 2024, and runs through Jan. 15, 2025.

Customers may enroll in only health or dental coverage, or both. AHCT is the only place state residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers receive financial assistance to help pay for their health insurance. Some customers might qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. 

Please visit  to AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.

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In 4 out of 5 school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker’s plan but failed to report it. Learn and share the critical warning signs of violence. www.sandyhookpromise.org/blog/gun-violence/know-the-signs-of-gun-violence