Legislative Agenda

Advocate for Increased funding for need-based financial aid in the Roberta Willis Scholarship Program

CCIC will advocate to increase the general fund appropriation for need-based financial aid under the Roberta Willis Scholarship Program.  

The general fund appropriation for state financial aid that provides need-based grants for CT students to attend CT higher education institutions has been cut 46% since FY 11 and has been flat funded at $33 million since FY 18.   Connecticut now ranks last in the region and 45^th in the country in our investment in need-based financial aid as a percentage of our overall higher education spending, at just 2.4 percent.  This is leading to significant unmet need: In FY 20, nearly 40,000 students enrolled in post-secondary in Connecticut are eligible to receive a Willis-grant yet less than 10,500 students received the grant in 2020. Investing more in need-based aid will support the state’s goals of having a highly trained workforce, retaining more young people, and promoting access to quality post-secondary education.

Maintain Current Tax Status of CCIC Institutions
CCIC will work to ensure that current tax exemptions for non-profit independent colleges and universities remain intact.

Advocate for the Independent Colleges to be Included in Workforce & Economic Development Strategies
CCIC will continue to educate lawmakers about the economic impact of the independent college sector as anchor institutions in the state.

In addition, we will advocate to ensure that the independent college sector continues to be considered a key partner in state workforce development strategies with a specific focus on educating policymakers around our capacity to support efforts to:

• Align degree production with the state’s talent needs;
• Work with employers to provide in-demand programs;
• Expand Dual-Enrollment Opportunities; and
• Promote Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  
  

Maintain Support for the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) Program
CCIC will seek to maintain or increase current appropriation levels for PILOT grants to municipalities.

Leadership, Advocacy and Ongoing Review of Proposed Legislation
CCIC will provide information to the General Assembly regarding the impact of independent colleges and universities on the educational, economic, and community life of Connecticut and its citizens.  An ongoing review of all bills and amendments introduced during the legislative session will be conducted to determine whether there are impacts on independent colleges and universities.  CCIC will take positions on legislation affecting member institutions as appropriate.