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Connecticut hearing backs state loan program to plug federal Grad PLUS gap
Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses urged quick action on SB 8 to replace eliminated federal Grad PLUS loans, highlighting risks to nursing, social work, physical therapy and other graduate pipelines. CHESLA says a $30M structure (state $10M + CHESLA $20M) could help about 1,200 students initially.
The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee heard near‑unanimous support for Senate Bill 8 on Feb. 20 as students, educators and workforce groups pressed legislators to replace federal Grad PLUS loan authority that will disappear this summer. Witnesses said the federal change threatens enrollment, particularly for part‑time and graduate students in health and social service fields.
“Limiting graduate education today means fewer professionals to meet Connecticut's urgent workforce needs tomorrow,” Jocelyn Medina, a second‑year MSW student at UConn, told the committee in support of the bill.
Josh Herlock, deputy director of the…
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