Susan Johnson

The Trump administration is changing the rules on federal student loans. I'll explain why the decision hurts our students and what some of my colleagues and I are proposing to address the issue.

You're invited to join me for a legislative conversation ahead of the 2026 session. Keep scrolling to see when and where you can share your priorities directly with me.

A local musician joined my radio show to share some of the fantastic events coming to downtown Willimantic including at the newly opened River Room. You can listen to the show below.

Here are the sections in today's email:

• State-Level Student Loan Program Proposal
• Meet Me In Person For a Conversation
• Let's Talk About It: Downtown Activities
• Helping Feed Those In Need
• Three Kings Day Celebration

State-Level Student Loan Program Proposal

I support the creation of a new state-level student loan program to offset harmful federal cuts. I was proud to join my colleagues as we announced a plan to expand access to the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) for the upcoming legislative session.  CHESLA is a state-created, nonprofit agency providing affordable financing, loans, scholarships, and financial literacy resources to help Connecticut students and families pay for college and manage student debt.

In addition to limiting the amount aspiring nurses, teachers, social workers, and other professionals can borrow, the Trump administration is eliminating the Graduate PLUS Student Loan Program. That means once students have exhausted their federal loan eligibility, they must apply for private loans to finance the rest of their graduate degrees. This decision will weaken our workforce and worsen our nursing shortage.

Connecticut must step in where Washington has stepped back. By creating a state-level graduate loan program, we can protect students, strengthen our workforce, and ensure that higher education remains a pathway to opportunity, not a barrier, for the professionals our communities urgently need.

Meet Me In Person For a Conversation

Please join me for a conversation on Tuesday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Windham Town Hall in the Bellingham Auditorium. This is an opportunity to share your priorities, ask questions, and provide feedback ahead of the 2026 legislative session.   Your input helps shape the work I do on your behalf at the State Capitol. Come by and be part of the conversation. I look forward to seeing you there!

Let's Talk About It: Downtown Activities

Local musician and community leader Chris Beaudry joined us on "Let's Talk About It" for a wide-ranging conversation about his deep roots in Willimantic, his work strengthening the local arts scene, and his passion for community-building. Beaudry wears many hats in Willimantic. He serves as the Executive Director of Willimantic Renaissance, the organization behind the popular Third Thursday Street Festivals, and as Treasurer of the Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association, helping guide the continued revitalization of our historic downtown.  He is also a co-founder of The River Room, a 65-seat performance venue on Riverside Drive offering live music, dance classes, and a variety of cultural events. Since opening last year, the venue has already welcomed international bands and award-winning artists. Beaudry said launching The River Room was a natural step after his experience as general manager of the Old Lyme Inn and manager of the Side Door Jazz Club.

We also discussed his radio show, State of the Art with Chris Beaudry, which airs every Tuesday from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. on WILI. The program spotlights local music, art, theatre, and community events, often featuring guests from across the region. Before wrapping up, Beaudry previewed several upcoming events including Taste 2 Towns, Willimantic's restaurant week, and the Chocolate Festival in February. Please click on the video below to watch the full conversation and learn more about the exciting work happening in our community.

Chris Beaudry shares family images showcasing his strong ties to Willimantic.

Helping Feed Those In Need

I was proud to join the Willimantic Lions Club last weekend as volunteers came together to package meals for people in need, both locally and around the world. Thanks ot their hard work and generosity, organizers exceeded their goals by delivering more than 14,000 meals and raising $7,000 for Rise Against Hunger, a global nonprofit working to end hunger and food insecurity by providing nutritious, volunteer-packaged meals. This is a powerful reminder of what's possible when our community comes together!

I am grateful to Chris Grant, President of the Willimantic Lions Club, for organizing such a meaningful event at the Windham Senior Center and for the club's continued commitment to serving our community.

Three Kings Day Celebration

The community came together for Three Kings Day, also known as El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, marking the Christian feast of the Epiphany with joy, tradition, and generosity. To honor the occasion, I took a photo with the Three Wise Men, Sen. Mae Flexer, and Windham Town Councilman Bill Sayers.

A highlight of the celebration was the distribution of toys to children in need, an especially powerful moment, as for some children this may have been their only opportunity to receive a holiday gift.  I would like to thank Miss Connecticut Teen USA, Daviana Plaza, for taking part in the festivities. Daviana truly embodies the spirit of the day through her dedication to service, leadership, and resilience.

Rep. Susan Johnson, Miss Connecticut Teen USA Daviana Plaza, and Superintendent of Windham Public Schools Iris Gomero

I would also like to recognize James Flores for his tireless pursuit to make the Three Kings Day celebration at Windham High School a meaningful and joyful experience for families. His commitment to preserving this cultural tradition and ensuring the event continues to bring smiles to children and parents alike has helped create lasting memories and strengthened our sense of community.

Events like Three Kings Day highlight the importance of community, compassion, and the joy that comes from coming together to support one another.