Relating to student loan repayment assistance for speech-language pathologists or audiologists employed by a public school or as faculty members of certain graduate programs at public institutions of higher education.
The legislation would introduce a structured repayment assistance mechanism, allowing eligible speech-language pathologists and audiologists to receive up to $6,000 per year for those holding a master's degree and up to $9,000 for those with a doctoral degree. The support can continue for a maximum of five years, provided the individual remains employed in the designated roles. Such assistance is expected to incentivize more professionals to enter and remain in these fields, which are particularly vital to student health and learning outcomes.
House Bill 1073 aims to provide student loan repayment assistance for speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are employed by public schools or as faculty members in specific programs at public institutions of higher education. The bill establishes guidelines for the eligibility and application process for qualifying individuals, enabling them to receive financial support to help alleviate their student loan burdens. This initiative seeks to encourage individuals to pursue and sustain careers in these critical healthcare roles, especially in the educational sector.
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1073 may arise from the funding mechanism. The bill specifies that the program may only be funded through gifts, grants, and donations, which raises questions about the long-term viability and reliability of the financial support provided to these professionals. Critics might argue that this reliance on external funding could limit the program's effectiveness and accessibility.
If enacted, the bill would require the establishment of rules and guidelines by the board overseeing the program, ensuring that the application process is clear and accessible to all interested speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This legislative measure resonates with broader efforts to improve educational support services while addressing the student debt crisis faced by many professionals entering the field.