Bill > SB01261

This bill expands two existing loan subsidy programs designed to help educators and workers in Connecticut's alliance districts (school districts with low-performing schools that receive additional state support). The bill modifies the Alliance District Loan Subsidy Program to now include not just teachers, paraeducators, and school counselors, but also individuals working in "high priority occupations" within these districts. The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority will establish criteria for these high-priority occupations, which must promote community welfare, have high service demand, and address workforce shortages. The bill allows the use of existing bonding funds to support these expanded loan subsidy programs, providing up to $7,000,000 in funding. The program will continue to offer interest rate subsidies for eligible loans to professionals working in alliance districts, with specific guidelines about maintaining employment eligibility to continue receiving the loan subsidy. By broadening the program's scope, the bill aims to attract and retain qualified professionals in historically underserved school districts by offering financial incentives through reduced loan interest rates.

Education

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01261&which_year=2025