Forgiving Loans for Healthcare Workers & Beaches Opening Soon

May 24, 2024

The state is introducing a new initiative to help healthcare workers pay off as much as $50,000 of their student loans. I'll break down who is eligible and how to apply for this special loan repayment program.

I had the honor to march in the Stamford Memorial Day Parade last weekend. Please keep scrolling to see some of the highlights of the event as the community remembered our heroes.

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, and that means our city beaches will soon be open for the season! Read below to see when you can dive in at your local swimming area.

Here are the sections of today's email:

  • Forgiving Student Loans for Healthcare Workers
  • Memorial Day Parade 
  • Time to Hit the Beach 🏖️!
  • Provide Feedback on Electric Vehicle Chargers
  • Loud Muffler Warning
 
Forgiving Student Loans for Healthcare Workers

The state is launching a new program to help healthcare workers pay off student loans. The Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program will offer up to $50,000 in student loan repayments to eligible healthcare providers. To receive that benefit, a healthcare worker must practice full-time in underserved communities for at least two years. Part-time options are also available for $12,500 per year over two years, totaling $25,000.

This Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program offers a distinct advantage over federal loan repayment programs because it allows for both federal and private student loan debt to be repaid, making it a more comprehensive solution for healthcare providers with diverse educational debt.

The following healthcare jobs are eligible for this new statewide initiative:

  • MDs and DOs in Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN
  • APRNs, including Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and Psychiatric Nurse Specialists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Registered Nurses
  • Dentists and Dental Hygienists
  • Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Core Behavioral Health Providers, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Substance Use Disorder Counselors
  • Pharmacists

The Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program is a tool to recruit and retain our healthcare heroes. It also represents a step toward reducing health disparities across our state.

The state began accepting applications this week.
Click Here to Learn How to Apply
 
Memorial Day Parade
Last weekend, the city of Stamford gathered to remember those who lost their lives defending our freedom. It was an honor to walk in the Memorial Day Parade alongside my distinguished colleagues. I was encouraged to see so many schools and children taking part and honoring our fallen heroes who will not be forgotten.

Highlights from the Stamford Memorial Day Parade.

During the event, I had the privilege of meeting a 100-year-old veteran who served at Iwo Jima! It was amazing to speak with him for a few minutes while thanking him for his service to our amazing country.
 
Time to Hit the Beach 🏖️!
Stamford Recreation Services released opening dates and lifeguard hours for the 2024 summer season. Please look below to see the latest at your beach!
Cove Island and West Beach:
  • Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend (May 25-September 2)
  • Open weekdays starting Monday, June 24 through Monday, September 2.  
  • Lifeguard Hours: 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Cummings Beach:

  • No lifeguards on duty Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27) due to construction on site.
  • Lifeguards on duty weekends starting June 1 through Labor Day Weekend.
  • Open weekdays starting Monday, June 24 through Monday, September 2.
  • Lifeguard Hours: 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Quigely Beach:

  • No lifeguards on duty.

Heroy Pool:

  • Open weekends starting Saturday, June 22 through Sunday, August 11.
  • Hours: 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
  • Open weekdays starting Monday, June 24 through Friday, August 9.
  • Hours: 3 P.M. - 6 P.M.

Tram at Cove Island:

  • Open weekends starting Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27) through Labor Day Weekend: (August 31-September 2).
  • Open weekdays starting Saturday, June 22 through Monday, September 2.
  • Tram Hours: 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
 
Provide Feedback on Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) wants to hear from you on electric vehicle chargers!

Please take a five-minute survey to help CTDOT better understand:

  • where there is a need for those chargers in Connecticut
  • how adding chargers might benefit your community
  • what your concerns may be around electric vehicles
All questions are optional, and the survey is open through Friday, May 31. CLICK HERE to take the survey!
 
Loud Muffler Warning
The Stamford Police Department is reminding everyone to check their mufflers to ensure they do not exceed the legal sound limit. Police received several complaints, especially in the downtown area. Officers will conduct enforcement and take action in the upcoming days targeting loud mufflers.