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Stamford's Sen. Leone Introduces Amendment To Ease Higher Education Costs

STAMFORD, Conn. — Highlighting the struggle many students and families face trying to pay for college, state Sen. Carlo Leone (D-Stamford, Darien) and Senate Democrats announced their support for legislation aimed at making college more affordable.

Sen. Carlo Leone proposes capping administrative costs, refinancing student loan debt and transparency in financial aid award.

Sen. Carlo Leone proposes capping administrative costs, refinancing student loan debt and transparency in financial aid award.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“Student loan debt is crushing our current generation,” said Leone. “Simply put, people are putting their lives on hold. At the rate we are going, education is going to become unobtainable for future generations and we can’t allow that to happen. Education is the foundation for our future and an equalizer that gives everyone a fair shot at opportunities in life. If we don’t address this now then we will undermine ourselves, as well as our future generations. I’m proud to back this legislation.” 

Leone and a dozen other caucus members have introduced Senate Bill 393, An Act Concerning A Cap on the Administrative Expenses of the Board of Regents For Higher Education and the University of Connecticut. 

This bill would put a percentage cap on how much of the block grants appropriated to UConn and the Board of Regents is allowed to be spent on administrative expenses of the central offices of these two systems. In order to bring greater transparency, Senate Bill 399, An Act Concerning Reporting Requirements of the University of Connecticut Regarding Financial Aid, has been introduced.

Senate Bill 950 An Act Enabling the Refinancing of Student Loans has also been introduced to make loan refinancing available to Connecticut residents, Connecticut students, parents and attendees of Connecticut higher education institutions through the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHELSA), regardless of whether the loan was originally made by CHESLA.

“The soaring costs and debt levels that students and families are facing are simply staggering,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven).

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