HB 6886, An Act Establishing A Nursing Student Loan Reimbursement Program

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6886, An Act Establishing A Nursing Student Loan Reimbursement Program. CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

Connecticut has an exceptional healthcare workforce that is committed to serving patients every day. A robust and growing healthcare workforce is required to support healthcare delivery throughout Connecticut. Unfortunately, our current system is not training or attracting enough individuals interested in healthcare careers, like nursing, that are in demand.

Connecticut hospitals are working to support their workers and are on the forefront of creating new ways to keep hospital workers resilient and enhance retention and recruitment. Providing financial incentives, identifying opportunities for career advancement, and supporting continuing education are important ways hospitals are bolstering the workforce. Additionally, hospitals are partnering with colleges and technical schools to develop curriculum and training to support future healthcare needs, and they are identifying the clinical placements that will be needed to support this enhanced training.

Together, we can build on the investments already made to expand educational and training opportunities, ease the path to careers in healthcare, support workforce retention, and enhance the safety of current and future healthcare workers. We must maintain our progress in supporting and growing the healthcare workforce. HB 6886, legislation creating a nursing student loan reimbursement program, would contribute to the all-hands-on-deck approach we need to meet the employment demands in the healthcare field. CHA supports this effort and encourages the committee to take action in support of the legislation.

Additionally, we encourage the committee to review the Comptroller’s 2025 Healthcare Cabinet Report and its workforce recommendations. CHA supports the report’s recommendations, which, complementary to this bill, calls for providing tuition repayment and loan repayment for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare.

We look forward to continuing to work together to support and expand Connecticut’s healthcare workforce.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.