Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. has teamed up with Senator Ken LaValle to introduce legislation that would provide loan relief to New York’s frontline healthcare workers through the New York State Health Care Professionals COVID-19 Heroes Loan Forgiveness Program.
“Frontline health care workers have been rightfully lauded as the heroes of the COVID-19 crisis response for tirelessly working to protect the lives and health of New Yorkers, while selflessly putting their own safety at risk in order to do so,” Assemblyman Thiele stated. “However, many of these same health care professionals are facing insurmountable student loan debt used to fund the education that makes them qualified to do this heroic work.”
The New York State Health Care Professionals COVID-19 Heroes Loan Forgiveness Program would offer relief up to $100,000, not exceeding outstanding student loan debt. It would be based on the availability of funds.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our health care heroes. This legislation is an effort to recognize their commitment to the health and well-being of those in their care, and their valiant efforts to treat patients during the COVID Pandemic,” Senator LaValle noted.
The program would be open to physicians, professional or practical nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants or special assistants that provided care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“This legislation would offer much deserved relief to these heroes, and I look forward to working with Senator LaValle towards its passage,” Assemblyman Thiele concluded.