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| One law will expand Connecticut's paid sick leave policy to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.
It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded - helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.
We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.
Other laws going into effect on Jan. 1 include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents, measures to make our elections more secure, and more.
You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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| As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol |
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| The Open Enrollment Period for Connecticut residents to shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance or renew their coverage is open now through Jan. 15, 2025. Customers who enroll now through Jan. 15, 2025, will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 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. |
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| Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations are also listed. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community.
Go 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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| I wanted to remind you that 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:
- 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.
- Must be a CT resident for at least five years.
- 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.
- 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-sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
- Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization 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.
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This program represents a true bipartisan effort and will directly impact Connecticut’s economy and 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.
Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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