House Republican Press Release

April 10, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps. Bill Aman and Rep. John Stripp tout Learn Here, Live Here’ initiative at UConn-Hartford

State Rep. Bill Aman (R-South Windsor) and State Rep. John Stripp (R-Weston) touted the House Republicans’ ‘Learn Here, Live Here’ program on Monday, April 9 at UConn’s Greater Hartford campus. Rep. Aman and Rep. Stripp were joined by CBIA Executive Director Joe Brennan and UConn Professor Nick Easton in addressing students about the unique GOP initiative aimed at keeping Connecticut’s college graduates in our state.

The plan calls for the creation of a growing trust fund which young adults could access up to 10 years after graduating from an in-state college or university. The state would collect income taxes from college graduates who could then use that money to help participants buy their first home. Students earning from Associates to Doctorate degrees would be eligible for the program.  

“This plan would go a long way to stemming the tide of young people aged 25-34 leaving our state at the highest rate in the country,” said Rep. Aman. “Businesses, families, and the taxpayers would all benefit from this proposal. I hope it will be acted upon by the legislature this year.”

“This proposal is aimed at stopping the 'Brain Drain' in Connecticut. Encouraging young people to stay in state after college will strengthen our economy, while providing and creating a synergy that permits both young and old to benefit,” added Rep. Stripp.

For more information on the ‘Learn Here, Live Here’ proposal, or to sign a petition in support of the plan, visit www.housegop.ct.gov.