Fairfield's Olympians, Student Loan Forgiveness, and more

February 13, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Though it is early in the legislative session, the Education Committee is already taking steps to pass critical legislation.

This week we moved several bills forward in the legislative process, including one that provides free breakfast for all students and free lunch for students eligible for reduced priced lunch, and another bill that increases education funding for public schools. There is a long road left for these bills and concepts, and I'll keep you updated as these proposals advance through the process!

You can watch the Education Committee's meeting here.

In addition, if you would like to hear more about the debate on the phone-free schools initiative I am spearheading, please check out this podcast I was featured on from WNPR's "The Wheelhouse." In the episode, I discussed the importance of this bill and how I have seen the effects of phone addiction on students firsthand. 

This bill is going to be a priority in the Education Committee, and I will keep you updated as it progresses. 

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about Fairfield's Olympians, Connecticut's student loan forgiveness program, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Celebrating Fairfield's Olympians! 

While I love watching the Olympics no matter who is competing, it was extra special watching some of Fairfield's own competing on the world's biggest stage! 

Speed skater Kristen Santos-Griswold and freestyle skier Mac Forehand have made us so proud as they compete in Italy. There's still more of them to be seen, so I hope you'll tune in this weekend! Great job, Kristen and Mac!
 

Stay Informed and Follow Along 

A reminder that it's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  
  • The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
  • Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 
 

Student Loan Reimbursement Program Accepting Applications 

Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.

Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.

Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.

Eligible applicants may qualify if they:
  • Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
  • Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
  • Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
  • Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
  • Completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
 

Hands-Only CPR Challenge 

For this year's Heart Month, Fairfield's Department of Health is organizing a statewide "Hands-Only CPR Challenge," with the goal of seeing how many people they can get to watch an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training video.

So far, there are 573 training video views from resident of 94 towns in 12 days, with about two weeks to go.

It does not take long to learn how to do CPR, and it can literally be the difference between life and death. 

Please click here to access the video and a brief questionnaire. Let's see how many people we can get to watch this video from across the state!
 

Upcoming Local Events 
2026 Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, March 28
Read more here
Beach Bunny 5K
Saturday, March 28
Read more here
From Harbor to Hills
Thursday, February 26
Read more here
 

I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

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