Kate Farrar

Earlier this week I joined fellow colleagues and The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) regarding a proposed bill that aims to address the removal of nursing from the U.S. Department of Education's list of professional degree programs and make higher education more affordable in the state by creating a state-level graduate loan program. 

This session the Higher Education Committee of which I’m a member will be prioritizing a proposal for CHESLA to implement a state-level replacement for Grad PLUS loans, ensuring continuity of access to graduate education financing. More importantly, the proposed programming also includes a scholarship component for Connecticut borrowers with low credit scores and/or no credit scores who would likely be subject to significantly higher interest rates from other private lenders in the absence of a state-based program.

There have been federal reclassifications that sharply limit the amount aspiring nurses, teachers, and other essential professionals can borrow.

Beginning in July, students in programs designated as professional degrees will be capped at $50,000 per year (or $200,000 total), while students in other graduate programs will face significantly lower limits of $20,500 per year (or $100,000 total). Nursing degrees, along with physical therapy, public health, social work, and education were excluded from the professional category, despite requiring extensive training, licensure, and certification.

The federal government is eliminating the Graduate PLUS Student Loan Program. That means once students have exhausted their federal loan eligibility, they will need private loans to finance the rest of their graduate degrees.

CHESLA can use its bonding authority to bridge the gap for Connecticut students.

Congratulations to Viking Athletics, who earlier this week celebrated the opening of their new location on New Park Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new space offers CrossFit, personal training, group fitness, and nutrition coaching, welcoming both new and experienced athletes.

Access Health CT has extended the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll or renew now will have coverage starting February 1.
 
Recent federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible has changed. However, Connecticut has stepped up which means that financial assistance is still available.
 
Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair. Help is available in over 100 languages.

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

On Wednesday, January 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., join us in Room 1A of the Legislative Office Building (300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford) for the Yellow Envelope Program Rollout and Community Training Symposium.

Learn about the Blue, Green, and Yellow Envelope programs, initiatives designed to support individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities during interactions with first responders.

Attendees will hear from experts involved in each program, as well as from individuals whose lives have been directly impacted by these initiatives.

The event is free but registration is required, click here to reserve your spot.

If you’re interested in learning about available programs and would like one-on-one support to help manage your energy bills, please attend the Let's Talk Energy Presentation on Tuesday, January 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bishop's Corner Senior Center (15 Starkel Road).

Topics include both energy efficiency and energy assistance programs.

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications through Saturday, January 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season from March 2-10.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.

Water assistance for customers serviced by The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) is open. Eligible households may receive a grant of up to $400 to help cover water expenses. The Water Assistance Program is available year-round or until funding is exhausted.

Click here to review eligibility requirements, gather necessary materials, and APPLY TODAY!

Tag Sale for a Great Cause! The Teen Leadership Committee (TLC), a 100% youth-led program at The Bridge is hosting an Indoor Community Tag Sale to support youth programming this Saturday, January 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Community Center (1106 New Britain Ave, West Hartford).