A hard reality sets in tomorrow for more than 500,000 Connecticut residents when interest begins accruing again for student loan borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan. I can't imagine the impact this will have on many who are already struggling to get by.
I feel their pain. I have student loan debt, too.
I felt good about the direction of the Relief for Connecticut Borrowers Working Group. I am a proud co-chair, and we met for the first time this week to discuss ways in which we can help provide for our residents. Please scroll down for more details, including a good article in CTNewsjunkie.
I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of firefighter Ray Moreau, who died in the line of duty on Sunday. Flags are being flown at half-staff in his memory.
The Women's Business Development Council has two grant opportunities coming up, including one designed to help licensed and aspiring child care businesses take off. Please scroll down for more details.
This week's newsletter topics include:
In Search of Student Loan Relief for CT Students
The Waterbury Case: What We Know
Ray Moreau: May His Memory Be a Blessing
WBDC Small Business Grant Opportunities
DMV Scam Making the Rounds Again, Beware
Own an E-bike? An Update
Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program
Community Events, Notices & Announcements
We've got some great weather coming up. Have a great weekend!
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
The newly formed Relief for Connecticut Borrowers Working Group, of which I am co-chair, held its inaugural meeting in Hartford on Tuesday.
State Representative Corey Paris @ Relief for Connecticut Borrowers Working Group inaugural meeting, July 29, 2025. Photo credit CTNewsjunkie.
The working group consists of legislators, state officials, and advocates, charged with the task of finding ways to provide student loan debt relief for more than half a million residents across the state.
Interest begins accruing again on federal student loans for borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education or SAVE Plan tomorrow, August 1, due to a policy shift by the Trump Administration.
We had a very productive meeting, all of which was captured in a CTNewsJunkie article you can access right HERE.
Please click on the image below for this week's report from WFSB regarding the case of a Waterbury man reportedly held captive for more than 20 years. The Children's Committee, of which I am House chair, has cognizance over all matters in the state relating to children, and we met with the DCF earlier this week for an informal conversation, which included a briefing on what was legally available for the public based on what we know about the case right now.
Firefighter Moreau dedicated himself to protecting our community, showing courage and selflessness every day. His passing is a profound loss for Plainville, for Connecticut, and for all who knew and served alongside him. Governor Lamont has ordered flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff in his memory. My thoughts are with Ray’s family, loved ones, and the entire Plainville Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time. May we never forget his bravery and service.
The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) has announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses.
The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. Since this program was launched in 2020, nearly $8.4 million has been awarded to child care businesses in every corner of Connecticut. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1 through August 31, 2025. You can find more information on Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. Since the start of the program, we have distributed 424 grants of over $3.9 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut.
The application period for this grant runs from August 5 through September 16, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
New regulations will take effect for some electric bikes, or e-bikes, on October 1.
The new law pertains to E-bikes without pedals and with batteries over 750 watts.
They will be classified as motor-driven cycles and require a driver's license to operate them.
E-bikes exceeding 3,500 watts will require registration and insurance, like motorcycles.
E-bikes are gaining popularity, but medical professionals are warning that these bikes can be dangerous. Connecticut Children's Medical Center treated 25 e-bike injuries in May and June 2025, compared to three in May and June 2024.
Here’s what parents and kids need to know about riding e-bikes in Connecticut:
Speed limits matter: Class 2 e-bikes (the ones with a throttle) are capped at 20 mph. Class 3 models can go up to 28 mph—but only if they’re not throttle-powered
No passengers unless built for two: Most e-bikes aren’t designed for a second rider
Stay off the sidewalk: Unless otherwise posted, e-bikes are considered vehicles. They belong on the road, in the right lane
Be courteous and cautious: If riding on sidewalks or shared paths, yield to pedestrians
New in 2025: Class 1 e-bikes are now allowed on bikes and multi-use trails statewide, unless a town says otherwise.
The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open for applications!
This scholarship supports students who:
Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
Are in good academic standing
Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements
Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:
High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program
Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!
Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator. Click HERE for more details.
Calling all LGBT+ artists! Consider submitting your art to Stamford Pride’s First Annual LGBTQIA+ History Month Art Show! Click HERE for the submission form (the link will take you to the Stamford Public Schools LinkTree page), and please read the guidelines for important information. The submission deadline is Today! Artists under 18 will need a parent/guardian's permission to submit.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center's Sunday Farm Market is back and better than ever – and as always, admission is free! Check it out each Sunday this summer and pick up some great products and produce to support local agriculture. Our favorite vendors have returned, along with some new friends.
More information, including who you'll see as vendors in 2025, can be found HERE.
Please note: The market may move to the Farmhouse & Plaza during inclement weather and for fall festivals. The market may also close at 1 p.m. in inclement weather. Market admission is still free; simply let the gate staff know that you are here for the market!
