Connecticut Governor Malloy and Treasurer Nappier recently announced the launch of the CHET Baby Scholars program through the CHET 529 College Savings Plan. The Connecticut 529, managed by TIAA-CREF, helps families save money for their child’s college education.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy, together with State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, visited the Friends Center for Children today to announce the launch of the CHET Baby Scholars program, which will help Connecticut families start saving for college as soon as their children are born. CHET, which is the Connecticut 529 college savings plan that is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc., helps families save for future college costs. Investment earnings in Connecticut 529 plans are exempt from state and federal taxes if used for qualified educational expenses.
Governor Malloy introduced legislation establishing the CHET Baby Scholars Trust as a fund within the Office of the State Treasurer to encourage savings for newly-born and adopted children.
“Studies have shown that children with a college savings account, of any amount, are seven times more likely to attend and graduate from college than those with no account,” Governor Malloy said. “By encouraging hardworking families to save for college right from the start, this program—in addition to investments in the Connecticut State College and University System—will help us build a future where all of our students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.”
“The birth or adoption of a child is a joyous time, filled with promise. There’s nothing like new life to give us hope for the future. What better way to start your child on the path to future success than to start saving for his or her college education at the very start of their life’s journey,” Treasurer Nappier said. “The CHET Baby Scholars program has the potential to influence lifelong savings behavior and help families and children alike understand the importance of owning assets.”
CHET Baby Scholars will deposit $100 into a CHET account for children born or adopted on or after January 1, 2014. A second deposit of $150 will be made if family and friends add at least $150 to the child’s enrolled CHET account within four years. The deadline to open an account and submit an enrollment form is no more than 12 months after the child’s birth or adoption.
The legislation establishing CHET Baby Scholars adds the option for Connecticut taxpayers to direct a portion of their tax refund either to the CHET Baby Scholars fund or to individual CHET accounts set up for their children or other beneficiaries.
The new initiative also excludes the value of a CHET account in determining financial aid at state colleges and universities, and from consideration of other state-funded, means-tested programs. These exclusions will ensure that families struggling to make ends meet while saving for a child’s educational future won’t be unfairly penalized.
Parents can apply to open a CHET account and complete an enrollment form at aboutchet.com.
Still have questions about 529 College Savings Plans? Check out our Q-and-A with Connecticut and New York 529 experts.
