Connecticut lawmakers proposed a state-level graduate loan program to replace borrowing capacity lost after federal changes to Grad PLUS, offering up to $30 million in initial capital and $10 million in state funding. State leaders are pitching the program as a bridge for graduate students who will lose access to higher federal caps under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act rules. The plan could reach more than 2,000 students initially and aims to preserve pathways into professional careers in health, education and other high-cost graduate fields. State officials said they will introduce legislation this session to deploy CHESLA funds and public dollars while federal rules are clarified.