Haskell Applauds Funding For Debt-Free Community College Program

Press release from CGA:

Dec. 7, 2020

Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), who is Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, applauded the Board of Regents for Higher Education, which voted Wednesday to fund PACT CT. PACT CT, now funded through the spring 2021 semester, is the state's new debt-free community college program. While this funding is an important step in supporting thousands of students, Sen. Haskell remains focused on ensuring the program receives long-term funding. Investing in higher education will be more critical than ever as we work to revive Connecticut’s economy in the wake of the pandemic.

"I would like to thank the Board of Regents for recognizing the immediacy of this issue and taking action to ensure this vital program will continue to support opportunities for thousands of students," said Sen. Haskell. "However, while these funds will support the program through the spring semester of 2021, it needs a permanent source of funding in order to open doors for students in years to come."

On Wednesday, the Board of Regents' finance committee voted to spend $3 million in reserves to fund PACT through the spring 2021 semester after months of concern that budget issues could require the cancellation or postponement of the program. Their decision was partially spurred by a letter from legislative leaders committing to at least $12 million in current and future funding toward the program.

In Fall 2020, 3,040 students in Connecticut received grants providing them with debt-free community college education. Those students receive funds through last-dollar scholarships, receiving financial assistance after federal, state and institutional financial aid.

This press release was produced by CGA. The views expressed here are the author's own.