Provides loan forgiveness for social workers who work within New York state for five years.
Summary
This bill, known as the “3000 by ’30 act,” would create a new New York State social worker loan forgiveness incentive program. It would authorize loan forgiveness awards for graduates of approved New York colleges or universities who have outstanding student loan debt, are employed in New York as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker, and apply within two years of graduation. Eligible applicants would also have to comply with existing education law requirements and commit to practicing in New York for the next five years.
The program would be administered by the state’s higher education financing authority/corporation and would provide awards only to the extent funds are appropriated and available. In practical terms, the bill is intended to help recruit and retain social workers in New York by reducing student debt burdens for recent graduates who remain in the state workforce.
Impact
The bill would add a new section 679-k to the Education Law, creating a state loan forgiveness program specifically for licensed master social workers and licensed clinical social workers. It would affect recent graduates of New York colleges and universities who have student loan debt and would tie eligibility to in-state employment and a five-year service commitment, thereby using financial incentives to support workforce retention in the social work profession. Because awards are limited to appropriated funds, the program’s actual reach would depend on future budget decisions.
Sentiment
The available context shows no recorded committee debate or votes, so there is no documented opposition or support in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s purpose and caption, the measure appears aimed at addressing workforce shortages and student debt concerns in a profession that often serves vulnerable populations, suggesting an overall policy rationale likely to be viewed positively by supporters of higher education affordability and social services.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. Potential areas of concern inherent in the bill’s design include the narrow eligibility window for recent graduates, the requirement to work in New York for five years, and the fact that awards depend on available appropriations, which could limit access or raise questions about program funding and fairness relative to other professions.
Increases the amount of credit to be certified under the federal public service loan forgiveness program for faculty or teachers to five hours worked for each hour of lecture or classroom time.
Increases the amount of credit to be certified under the federal public service loan forgiveness program for faculty or teachers to five hours worked for each hour of lecture or classroom time.