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Senator Rhoades Introduces Legislation for Loan Forgiveness ProgramsHARRISBURG- Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) introduced legislation, Senate Bill 413, this week that would create the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Staff Member and the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor Loan Forgiveness Programs within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). "PHEAA administers loan forgiveness programs for nurses and health care professionals, however, there is no loan forgiveness program for MH/MR staff providers," said Rhoades. "With the increased demands on Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Alcohol and Drug staff and providers, I believe that it is imperative for the Commonwealth to move on this important issue." According to Rhoades, Senate Bill 413 would make the program available to individuals who have completed a two or four-year degree, who have been employed by county agencies, certain private providers or licensed facilities for at least six months and who have outstanding loans with PHEAA. As a condition of eligibility for the programs, loan recipients would be required to contract with PHEAA to work in the Commonwealth for two consecutive years. Rhoades noted that recipients could have up to $20,000 of loan indebtedness forgiven over a four-year period, not to exceed $5,000 of forgiveness per year. "The introduction of this bill is the first step in the legislative process," said Rhoades. "I will work to make this important legislation a reality for Pennsylvania's dedicated MH/MR staff providers." Senate Bill 413 will be referred to the Senate Education Committee in the near future.
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