|
Along with Reps. Kara Rochelle and Kaitlyn Shake, and Sen. Derek Slap, I raised the alarm last week about harmful federal student loan changes adopted under the Trump administration that will make it significantly harder for students to afford graduate degrees in critical fields like nursing, teaching, social work, and public health.
First, the federal government has reclassified many graduate programs, sharply limiting how much students can borrow. Despite requiring extensive training and licensure, nursing, education, social work, and public health were excluded from the “professional degree” category, leaving students with much lower borrowing caps.
Second, and most alarming, the administration is eliminating the federal Graduate PLUS loan program. For years, this program has been a lifeline for students without wealth or credit history. Its elimination will push students into the private loan market — if they can access loans at all — often at much higher, predatory rates.
Finally, these changes are paired with ongoing attacks on public student loan forgiveness. Taken together, this is the opposite of what we should be doing when Connecticut and the nation face serious shortages of nurses, teachers, and other essential professionals—especially harming first-generation and low- and middle-income students.
The good news: Connecticut has a path forward. By expanding the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA), we can create a state-based alternative to protect students, keep education accessible, and invest in the workforce our communities depend on.
I will continue fighting to ensure opportunity remains within reach for Connecticut students.
|
