2025 CCIC Legislative Agenda

Advocate to Increase 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 flat funded since FY 18. Connecticut now ranks last in the region in our investment in need-based financial aid as a percentage of our overall higher education spending, at just 3 percent. This is leading to significant unmet need. 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 and partners in economic development.

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;
Retain talent working with employers to provide in-demand degrees and work-based learning opportunities;
Expand Dual-Credit Courses for Connecticut high school students; and
Promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.

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.