“The purpose of my amendment is to update the function of an existing program to meet changing national needs,” said Porter. “Simply put, many of our communities are desperate for qualified individuals in the areas of nursing and early childhood education. By expanding the higher education loan forgiveness program to cover these areas, we’ll encourage more individuals to enter these professions by easing potential financial burdens they face.”
“I’d like to thank Mr. Porter for his leadership in addressing the shortage of nurses and Head Start teachers around the country, a critical problem where there is a significant national need. Mr. Porter’s plan will help reduce the burden of student debt for Americans who become nurses or Head Start teachers, and it will encourage more qualified individuals to dedicate themselves to these professions,” said Congressman John Boehner (R-OH), Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman.
Specifically, Porter’s amendment reauthorizes and expands section 428K of the Higher Education Act to provide up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness for individuals that have completed a baccalaureate or advanced degree and serve for five consecutive years in an area of national need, as designated by the Secretary of Education. Individuals who will become eligible for the loan forgiveness under Porter’s amendment include: (1) Early childhood educators in low-income, licensed preschool programs or child care facilities, (2) Nurses that serve in clinical settings, and (3) Nursing faculty at accredited schools of nursing.
Contact U.S. Congressman Jon Porter at www.house.gov/porter/
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