| 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.
Memorial Day is just around the corner, and on my radio show we talked about how Windham will be paying its respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Please keep scrolling to learn about the parade and other events commemorating our fallen heroes.
Here are the sections in today's email:
- Let's Talk About It: Memorial Day Events
- Forgiving Student Loans for Healthcare Workers
- Provide Feedback on Electric Vehicle Chargers
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| Let's Talk About It: Memorial Day Events |
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| The veterans who are organizing Windham's Memorial Day events gave us a look at what to expect on my weekly public affairs show, “Let’s Talk About It.” This year’s parade is expected to be much bigger thanks to a new partnership between the Greater Windham Veterans Council and the American Legion. Joe Tomanelli, the Senior Advisor of that council, and Tom Riquier, the Commander of the American Legion post in Windham, reminded us that this is an opportunity for the community to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. |
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| Our Memorial Day recognition begins at 7:00 A.M. on Monday, May 27 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall on Valley Street. A convoy of cars will go on a pilgrimage to all nine cemeteries in town where veterans will place a wreath, offer a prayer, salute the colors, and play taps. Tomanelli and Riquier explained this tradition ensures our veterans’ sacrifice will never be forgotten. The convoy of cars then moves to the Veterans Greenway.
Windham’s Memorial Day Parade starts at 10:00 A.M. at Jillson Park, then goes up Main Street, and wraps up at Memorial Park. The National Guard will take part and organizers arranged a fly-over. You will also get to see Windham High School’s marching band and at least two trailers full of veterans. Organizers tell us a 101-year-old local veteran will be there saluting the crowds. |
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| We also talked about the importance of getting more Latino veterans involved in the day’s events, the improvements at the American Legion Post in Windham, and where to get food after the parade. Please click on the video below to listen to the show. |
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Joe Tomanelli and Tom Riquier provide insight on Windham's
full slate of Memorial Day events. |
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| Forgiving Student Loans for Healthcare Workers |
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| 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. |
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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 will begin accepting applications on May 22, 2024. |
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| Provide Feedback on Electric Vehicle Chargers |
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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
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| All questions are optional, and the survey is open through Friday, May 31. CLICK HERE to take the survey! |
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