WATCH: Congresswoman Hayes Remarks on Teacher Debt Relief Act
WASHINGTON – Vice Ranking Member Jahana Hayes introduced the Teacher Debt Relief Act, in conjunction with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The legislation makes a technical correction to ensure teachers with five years of classroom service can qualify for both the Stafford Student Loan Forgiveness (SSLF) program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
“We are in the midst of a teacher shortage. In 2023, nearly 9 in 10 public school districts struggled to hire educators. New graduates leave school with unimaginable debt and then receive low pay. Teachers across Connecticut are leaving the profession or are forced to take on a second, even third job in order to make ends meet and pay off debt,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The Teacher Debt Relief Act aims to incentivize teachers to enter and remain in the profession by making debt relief and loan discharge a more readily achievable reality for these public servants. This opportunity provides additional relief to the 1.3 million teachers who are struggling to repay their loans.”
“We want the best of the best for our children in our classrooms. This legislation sends a strong message that we value the hard work of our teachers and understand the challenges they face in the classroom and in their school districts every day. This bill will keep talented teachers in the classroom, and provide greater stability for our local school districts,” said Senator Stabenow.
According to National Education Association (NEA) research, one in seven educators still owe more than $105,000. In Connecticut, the average total student loan debt is $35,241. Across the nation, educator pay continues to lag behind other professions. Teachers make $3,644 less on average than they did ten years ago when adjusted for inflation.
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