Urges President and Congress of United States to continue federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Impact
If AR69 passes, it would formally express the New Jersey General Assembly's stance in favor of protecting the PSLF Program from proposed cuts in the President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2021. The PSLF Program not only provides financial relief to public service employees but also serves as a key recruitment tool, encouraging individuals to pursue meaningful careers in essential service positions such as teaching, law enforcement, and social work.
Summary
Assembly Resolution AR69 urges the President and Congress of the United States to maintain the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which is critical for incentivizing careers in public service. Established in 2007, the PSLF Program forgives student loans for eligible public servants after they have made 120 qualifying payments while employed in government or non-profit positions. Recent attempts to eliminate the program pose a threat to valuable benefits that support numerous professions within the public sector, including education and healthcare roles.
Contention
The resolution highlights significant concerns surrounding potential elimination of the PSLF Program, which critics argue could deter future public service employees and diminish the quality of care and education in public roles. Lawmakers and advocates believe that cutting the PSLF would exacerbate existing shortages in critical sectors, as the program is seen as a cornerstone for attracting and retaining dedicated professionals in public service careers.
Requires public service employer to certify employment of qualifying employees under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program; requires Secretary of Higher Education to develop materials to promote Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Requires public service employer to certify employment of qualifying employees under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program; requires Secretary of Higher Education to develop materials to promote Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Urges Congress to propose amendment to United States Constitution to prohibit use of slavery or indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crime.