CT Proposes College Tuition, Mortgage Aid for First Responders

Gov. Ned Lamont proposes establishing two new incentives for state and local police officers and firefighters.

The incentives would help first responders with tuition and mortgage costs. The goal, according to Lamont, is to encourage more people to pursue careers in public safety and to retain existing first responders.

One proposed incentive would waive tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate programs at all Connecticut public colleges and universities.

This includes the University of Connecticut, the Connecticut State University system, and Connecticut State Community College. The waiver would apply to state and local police officers and firefighters with five or more years of service, as well as students attending the Connecticut Fire Academy.

The second proposed incentive would create a mortgage assistance program designed to help public safety professionals buy homes in the communities where they work. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority would be responsible for developing and administering the program. This assistance could include down payment support or other housing subsidies.

“Police officers and firefighters are the backbone of the safety of our neighborhoods, and it is imperative that we have strategic recruitment and retention policies that build robust and adequately staffed firefighter and police forces," Lamont said.

The legislative proposal is House Bill 5046, "An Act Supporting Firefighter and Police Officer Recruitment and Retention."

The Public Safety and Security Committee is currently considering the bill, and it is expected to schedule a public hearing soon.