Legislative Agenda
CCIC develops its legislative agenda in October of each year. We traditionally seek legislative support for need-based financial aid funding, economic and workforce development issues and support for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program. We work with a wide range of groups and opinion leaders to make our case to the legislature. Additionally, we hold campus-based opportunities for legislators to meet our students and learn about the contributions made by our member organizations as educators, employers and community partners.

2008 Session Agenda

1. Maintain Funding of CICS Grant Program--CCIC will seek to maintain the gains achieved in the 2007 session in funding for the CICS program.

2. Create and Fund a Capital Matching Grants Program— CCIC will seek to enact a bonding program to support the construction or renovation of core academic facilities. In recognition of the role of private colleges and universities in providing access to higher education for Connecticut residents and in providing skilled employees, research and other assistance to Connecticut employers, the program will leverage private dollars for capital construction at these institutions thereby strengthening research facilities, labs, classrooms and other academic spaces.

3. Support the Enactment of an Allied Health Reinvestment Act—CCIC will work with the allied health community to pass a comprehensive legislative package that will support recruitment and retention of allied health students, innovative strategies to secure faculty and clinical placements in these disciplines, and strategic grants for capital and other needs related to growing or enhancing existing allied health programs.

4. 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 and that the State retains the authority to determine these exemptions. 

5. Continued Support for the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) Program -- CCIC will seek to maintain or increase current FY 07 appropriation levels for PILOT grants to municipalities.

6. Leadership and 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.