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Lawmakers hear push to expand debt‑free dollars to workforce and continuing‑education programs
Summary
Representative Nuio told the committee HB5427 would let debt‑free college dollars fund workforce development and continuing‑education certificates, helping community‑college learners obtain in‑demand credentials and move into higher‑paying jobs without debt.
Representative Nuio testified in favor of House Bill 5427, proposing that Connecticut expand its debt‑free college program to include workforce development and continuing‑education programs. She said the change would let the state support short, occupationally focused pathways—such as nursing certifications, radiology tech programs and manufacturing pipelines—so people can move from lower‑wage jobs into higher‑paying positions without incurring student debt.
Lawmakers asked for an inventory of programs that would become eligible and whether federal workforce‑focused programs (for example, newly authorized federal workforce Pell supports) overlap with the state proposal. Representative Nuio said community colleges and presidents would provide lists and that coordination with federal programs could increase impact.
Committee members broadly expressed interest but asked staff to identify exact program lists and estimate the potential fiscal impact before advancing the bill.
