State Capitol Update for the Week of August 22

August 26, 2022
Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of August 22nd.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the play button to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.
 
 
It's back-to-school season, and there's been a lot of school related news this week. 
 
Most recently, the US Department of Education announced a new policy that will cancel up to $20,000 of student debt for Pell Grant recipients (aimed at low-income students) with loans held by the federal government and up to $10,000 for other borrowers. The current pause on federal student loan repayment will also be extended once more, through the end of 2022.  For an article with more information, click here.

Connecticut was also recognized for educational excellence in a couple of ways this week.  Wallethub named Connecticut as having the second-best public school system in the country,  and the top community college system.  Ensuring that every child in the state has access to that excellence will remain a top priority.

A few reminders. First, sales tax-free week continues until August 27.  Second, if you or your child is returning to college outside of the district where you live, don't forget to ask for an absentee ballot for November.  And, finally, those school buses are back on the road which means that our kids are on the sides of the streets waiting for them, so please remember to exercise caution and be on the lookout to ensure the safety of those students. 
Here is a list of today's topics:
  • COVID-19 Weekly Update. Click here.
  • Federal Student Debt Relief. Click here
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here
  • Connecticut's community college system ranked best in the nation. Click here
  • Scam Alert from the Connecticut Department of Labor. Click here
  • Nominate an Arts Hero! Click here
  • Access Health CT website wins digital health award. Click here

  • CareerConnect commences 19 job training programs. Click here
COVID-19 weekly update
For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
 
Federal Student Debt Relief
President Biden announced he will sign an executive order which will forgive up to $10,000 of student loan debt for individuals making less than $125,000 per year (and couples earning less than $250,000). Borrowers who received a Pell Grant may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness.

In addition, the Biden Administration also announced the current pause on federal student loan payments will be extended for the last time through December 31, 2022.

This news comes after the recent announcement that U.S. Department of Education is implementing temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to make it easier for federal student loan borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment.

CLICK HERE for more details on that announcement.

While information will be released in the coming weeks on how to claim this debt forgiveness, you can click the button below for additional details and what to expect next.

StudentAid.gov
The burden of student debt can impact borrowers' ability to build wealth, contribute to their families, and engage with their community. This action will help countless individuals and families here in Connecticut lower costs and build their future.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Millions of government and private, non-profit employees have federal student loans and may now be eligible for loan forgiveness or additional credit toward forgiveness under these time-limited PSLF changes. 

Head to https://bit.ly/3cf9cQh to see if you qualify!
Connecticut's community college system ranked best in the nation
 
A study recently released by WalletHub ranked Connecticut as the state with the best community college system in the United States.
 
Additionally, the governor announced that the deadline to receive funding from PACT, Connecticut’s free community college program, has been extended. Any student who otherwise meets the program’s qualifications and registers for classes this semester will receive PACT funding. Potential students are encouraged to enroll at a community college before fall semester classes begin on August 29, 2022.
 
For the first time, the fiscal year 2023 budget allows part-time students taking six or more credits per semester to qualify for PACT.
 
Starting in July 2023, the state’s 12 community colleges will become Connecticut State Community College (CT State). Students who begin their studies at a current college this year will be automatically enrolled as CT State students for the fall 2023 semester, and all current locations will remain open and fully operational.
 
To learn more about PACT eligibility or to apply today, visit ct.edu/apply.

Scam Alert from the Connecticut Department of Labor

I want to alert you about a recent communication from the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) on a series of text scams that include links to fake webpages resembling CTDOL unemployment pages, including the unemployment benefits login page.

The texts appear to come from the agency and may read: ‘Connecticut’s Department of Labor warn Your account is abnormal’ or ‘Your unemployment is updated and logged in to view’.

It is strongly advised to ignore and delete these texts as the CTDOL does not process claims or verify identity and account information through text or social media.


 

The only place to get information about your unemployment account is at www.ReEmployCT.com or call the Consumer Contact Center at www.FileCTUI.com.

If you think your personal information has been compromised, please notify your local law enforcement. In the case where you believe an unemployment claim has been filed using your identity, report that to the Department of Labor as well. The agency has information, reporting tools, and resources available on its fraud page.

Cyber security experts recommend regular account maintenance to maintain the integrity and security of your personal information. Best practices include:

  • Use different passwords for your social media, banking, email, and other accounts. 
  • Change your passwords regularly.
  • Use strong passwords—upper and lowercase letters, symbols, possibly a short phrase in lieu of a single word, and stay away from dictionary words. 
  • Monitor your accounts—if you had an email breach, other accounts may also be compromised.

If you receive a message via text or email and it seems suspicious, do not reply to the message, instead, independently search out the contact information for the organization so you can confirm the communication.

Nominate an Arts Hero!
                  

The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards honor and celebrate Connecticut residents who are doing inspiring things in, for or through the arts in Connecticut.
 
Since 2016, the Connecticut Arts Hero Awards have introduced us to an array of remarkable individuals engaged in or supporting the arts - some publicly and some behind the scenes. 
 
If you know a special someone who has contributed significantly to the arts in Connecticut, please take a moment to nominate this individual.
 
The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
 
The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards will be presented at a special, open-to-all, free event on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Infinity Hall in Hartford. (Note: Arts Heroes are not awarded posthumously.)
 
Access Health CT website wins digital health award

Connecticut residents use the Access Health CT (AHCT) website to shop, compare and enroll in health insurance.  This week AHCT announced it received a silver award in the Digital Health Awards — a national program recognizing the best online health resources for both consumers and professionals. These awards are organized by the Health Information Resource Center, a national clearinghouse in consumer health fields.
 
The competition, which is held twice yearly, was judged by a panel of 57 experts in digital health media who selected gold, silver, bronze and merit winners from nearly 700 entries. Using a rating scale of 1 to 100 points, the panel judged each entry based on design, content, format, user experience, success in reaching the targeted health audience and overall quality.
Celebration of Belonging in Torrington on August 26
 
A Celebration of Belonging- with food, music, friends, family and activities will take place on August 26 from 4-8 pm on Main Street in Downtown Torrington.  It will include a range of activities, food and activities, celebrating and honoring the power of diversity and inclusion in our community.