Lawmakers address ways to make higher education affordable, keep graduates in CT

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Lawmakers are addressing ways to make college more affordable and ways to keep graduates in Connecticut.

The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee held a public hearing today.

Lawmakers are discussing a number of bills including Senate Bill Number 8, which is an act concerning higher education affordability and graduate retention.

“We’re trying to address affordability and accessibility in higher education. So we want to lessen student loan debt, increase scholarship support and that’s what today’s hearing is really about,” said State Sen. Derek Slap, democrat, 5th district.

The bill is looking at expanding the eligibility pool for the “Pact” program.

That program provides up to three years of debt-free community college to first-time Connecticut school graduates seeking higher education.

The bill would also provide more financial support for students who may need assistance with the cost of school supplies and books for coursework.

“Right now we have a workforce pipeline issue. We want to get more graduates in to school and then out of school, especially in career fields that we are in dire need of. Especially nurses, teachers, those are two of the top ones,” said Sen. Slap.

Lawmakers are also looking at increasing investments in scholarship programs and establishing new interest rate reductions for in-demand industries.

One of the primary long-term goals is to keep young Connecticut graduates living and working in the state.

“Well, I think what we have to recognize is where are those students that don’t stay in Connecticut, where are they coming from and where are the students that do stay in Connecticut?,” said Sen. Kevin Kelly, republican, 21st district.

Students and professors weighed in at today’s public hearing.

“I switched to here for cybersecurity and I like it a lot. I’m learning about networking and how routers and switchers work so I’m enjoying it a lot,” said Jose Martinez-Hernandez, Capital Community College student.

Jose is in his first semester at Capital Community College in Hartford.

The cybersecurity student knows first hand how challenging the cost of college can be.

“I went to Southern and then I came here because it was too expensive, said Jose. “Here, I can afford it just off of FAFSA.”

Lawmakers in the committee have another week to put finishing touches on Senate Bill 8.

Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.