Student Loan Debt Relief Application Now Open

October 20, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Connecticut has launched its 14th Annual Safe Teen Driving Video Contest, which engages high school students on the dangers of distracting driving and the importance of driving responsibly. The announcement coincides with National Teen Driver Safety Week falling during the week of October 16 through 22. This year's contest is co-sponsored by the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers. The contest is open to all public, private, and home-schooled Connecticut high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. Participants will produce a creative, unique, and effective video public service announcement that is up to 45 seconds in length and highlights how teens can practice safe driving habits while obeying our state's teen driving laws. 

Winning students and their high schools will be awarded up to $26,000 in cash prizes. Students have until January 31, 2023 to submit their PSA. You can read the full contest rules and how to submit a video here.
Watch winning videos from previous years here.
 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans serve as a caregiver for a member of their family? In recognition of National Caregivers Month in November, CT Paid Leave would like to honor caregivers for all that they selflessly do. If you know someone who is caring for a loved one, click here to find out how to send them a treat and let them know how much they're appreciated.

CT Paid Leave understands how important caregivers are and the challenges they face taking time away from work to care for themselves or their families. That is why the Connecticut General Assembly created the Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Through this program, eligible persons can receive 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a sick loved one or themselves. You can learn more about this program here.

 
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Earlier this summer, the Biden Administration announced student loan debt relief, and I'm pleased to share that the application is now open!

The application takes about 5 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. Applicants do not need to log in or provide any documents. Borrowers will have until December 31, 2023 to apply.  

Nearly 40 million Americans will be eligible for this relief. Individuals making less than $125,000 per year and couples earning less than $250,000 could qualify for up to $10,000 in relief. Borrowers who received a Pell Grant are eligible for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness.

The debt relief only applies to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. New loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022 will not be eligible for relief. 

Student loan debt has anchored millions of Americans, preventing them from building wealth, contributing to their families, and engaging with their community. Borrowers' budgets have been further constrained by economic pressures resulting from the pandemic, geopolitical conflict, supply chain disruptions, and inflation.

This relief is a financial lifeline that could help many individuals and families across our state build a more stable future for themselves as student loan payments resume in January 2023.

Student Loan Debt Relief
 
The Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period will begin on November 1, 2022. To help residents learn more about Open Enrollment and the application process for health coverage, AHCT will be holding Healthy Chats. The next Healthy Chat will be on Thursday, October 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can register for this Healthy Chat here.

To learn more about the AHCT Open Enrollment Period please click here.

 
The town of West Hartford is seeking feedback on bicycling access and safety as part of its application to the League of American Bicyclists for Silver status as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Anyone who is familiar with biking is encouraged to participate in the survey. The survey will be open through Sunday, November 6. The town's bicycle friendly status will be announced in December.
Take the Survey Here
 
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Kate Farrar
State Representative
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