Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-932
AN ACT CONCERNING AN ALLIANCE DISTRICT TEACHER LOAN SUBSIDY
Title: PROGRAM.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/4/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
To establish an Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program.
Substitute Language:
Requires CHESLA to maintain one account to cover both program expenditures and
losses, rather than two separate ones
Makes various technical changes
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Jeanette Weldon, Executive Director, Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental
Loan Authority (CHESLA):
Submitted written testimony in support. Ms. Weldon explains there is a large disparity
between the percentage of educators (9.6%) and the percentage of students (47%) of color
throughout the state. This lack of diversity results in negative outcomes for students. Not only
do diverse classrooms improve the performance of students of color, they develop an
appreciation for diverse populations overall. This bill helps to address this issue by providing
economic incentives to needed teachers in Alliance Districts.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Inc. (CABE):
Submitted written testimony in support. CABE says "This is a tool to help our most vulnerable
districts attract and retain educators," and "that loan forgiveness programs decrease teacher
attrition and attract a more diverse educator workforce."
Michele Ridolfi ONeill, Connecticut Education Association:
Submitted written testimony in support. CEA supports subsidies to provide "tangible
incentives for accepting and committing" to positions in alliance districts.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed.
Reported by: Jeremy Salyer Date: 03/25/2021
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