February 28, 2003
Executive branch employees and Senate staffers were already able to participate in a student loan forgiveness program, but Lee’s legislation extended loan forgiveness not only to House staffers, but support personnel. "I wanted to make sure that our hardworking counterparts received the same opportunities as House staffers," said Lee.
Under the rules approved, each congressional office will be allocated approximately $20,000 for student loan repayments. An employee would be eligible to receive as much as $500 per month, not to exceed $40,000 over the course of Congressional employment.
"As a former House staffer myself, and as the employer of a number of staffers who have a great deal of debt, I strongly support loan forgiveness for all legislative branch employees," said Lee.
Lee said that the program would be a great incentive for students who want to work in government. "This program will enable House offices to attract the best and brightest, since many people, even years after graduating, have to make decisions based on the loans they’ve taken on in colleges," she said.
"Many young people want to dedicate themselves to public service," Lee said. "Now, they’ll have the opportunity to make differences in others’ lives without having to sink under the weight of enormous debt."
###
U.S. House of Representatives Implements Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Employee Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee expressed satisfaction today that the House employee student loan forgiveness program, which she introduced in the 107th Congress, is finally being implemented. The legislation was in the FY 03 omnibus appropriations bill, but the House Administration Committee still had to issue regulations for the program. Those guidelines were released this week.Executive branch employees and Senate staffers were already able to participate in a student loan forgiveness program, but Lee’s legislation extended loan forgiveness not only to House staffers, but support personnel. "I wanted to make sure that our hardworking counterparts received the same opportunities as House staffers," said Lee.
Under the rules approved, each congressional office will be allocated approximately $20,000 for student loan repayments. An employee would be eligible to receive as much as $500 per month, not to exceed $40,000 over the course of Congressional employment.
"As a former House staffer myself, and as the employer of a number of staffers who have a great deal of debt, I strongly support loan forgiveness for all legislative branch employees," said Lee.
Lee said that the program would be a great incentive for students who want to work in government. "This program will enable House offices to attract the best and brightest, since many people, even years after graduating, have to make decisions based on the loans they’ve taken on in colleges," she said.
"Many young people want to dedicate themselves to public service," Lee said. "Now, they’ll have the opportunity to make differences in others’ lives without having to sink under the weight of enormous debt."
###