Texas Senate Bill SB620

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to student loan repayment assistance for speech-language pathologists or audiologists employed by a public school or as faculty members of certain programs at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

This legislation is a significant step towards addressing workforce shortages in essential educational roles within Texas. By incentivizing the employment of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in public schools, SB620 not only enhances educational services provided to students but also aims to retain skilled professionals in the state. As many professionals pursue their careers with substantial student debt, such financial assistance is anticipated to make these roles more attractive and sustainable for both new graduates and established professionals seeking stability in public education environments.

Summary

SB620 aims to provide student loan repayment assistance to speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are employed by public schools or as faculty members of particular programs at public institutions of higher education. The bill establishes the framework for a repayment assistance program under the Texas Education Code, specifically designed to address the growing need for qualified professionals in the field of communicative disorders. Eligible professionals can receive grants of up to $6,000 per year for those with a master's degree and up to $9,000 for those with a doctoral degree, for a maximum of five years of support, contingent upon continued employment in their respective roles.

Contention

Despite the bill's positive prospects for workforce development, potential areas of contention may arise regarding the funding mechanisms for the program. SB620 states that the program may be funded solely through gifts, grants, and donations, which raises concerns about the reliability and sustainability of funding. Critics may argue that dependency on potentially unpredictable donations might jeopardize the effectiveness and availability of the loan repayment assistance, ultimately impacting the bill's goals. Moreover, as the bill seeks to amend existing regulations, it could face scrutiny from stakeholders who prefer alternative methods of supporting professional educational roles through different funding strategies.